Parenting Coordinator Appointment Order and Agreement

PARENTING COORDINATOR APPOINTMENT ORDER AND AGREEMENT

I. PARTIES

This Order and Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [__/__/____] ("Effective Date") by and between:

Court Case Caption:

Court: [________________________________] County/District Court
Case No.: [________________]
Judge: [________________________________]

II. RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Parties entered into a Parenting Plan or Custody Order dated [__/__/____] (the "Existing Order");

WHEREAS, the Parties have ongoing disputes regarding the implementation and application of the Parenting Plan that require neutral intervention to reduce conflict and protect the best interests of the minor child(ren): [________________________________________________________________];

WHEREAS, the Parties and/or the Court recognize that parenting coordination is an appropriate post-decree dispute resolution mechanism designed to facilitate implementation of the Parenting Plan, resolve day-to-day parenting disagreements, and reduce the need for re-litigation;

WHEREAS, the Parenting Coordinator is a neutral, impartial professional trained in family dynamics, conflict resolution, and family law, and is qualified to serve in this role pursuant to [state-specific qualifications/court order];

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:

III. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY

3.1 Appointment

☐ Court-Appointed. The Parenting Coordinator is appointed by the Court in this matter pursuant to Order dated [__/__/____].

☐ Privately Retained. The Parenting Coordinator is retained by mutual written agreement of the Parties.

3.2 Duration

The Parenting Coordinator's appointment shall commence on [__/__/____] and shall continue for a period of [_____] months/year(s), unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section VIII below.

IV. SCOPE OF AUTHORITY

4.1 Decision-Making Authority

The Parenting Coordinator shall have authority to make binding decisions regarding the following minor parenting plan issues:

☐ Scheduling adjustments and make-up parenting time (e.g., illness-related cancellations, weather delays)

☐ Day-to-day decisions regarding school, extracurricular activities, and routine medical appointments (consistent with existing Plan)

☐ Minor modifications to bedtimes, meal schedules, screen time, and household routines

☐ Resolution of disputes regarding drop-off/pick-up logistics, communication methods, and transportation

☐ Interpretation of ambiguous language in the existing Parenting Plan

☐ Other minor issues: [________________________________________________________________]

Decisions made by the Parenting Coordinator are binding upon the Parties, unless the decision exceeds the Coordinator's authority or violates the Parenting Plan's core provisions.

4.2 Recommendation Authority

The Parenting Coordinator shall provide written recommendations (not binding decisions) regarding:

☐ Major decisions, including relocation, change of school district, or therapeutic interventions

☐ Modification of custody arrangements or significant parenting time changes

☐ Disputes over educational or healthcare choices not addressed in the Parenting Plan

☐ Other substantial issues: [________________________________________________________________]

The Parties retain the right to seek court intervention if they reject the Coordinator's recommendations.

4.3 Authority Limitations

The Parenting Coordinator shall not have authority to:

• Modify the Parenting Plan or custody arrangement (except through interim adjustments under 4.1)
• Award attorney's fees or sanctions
• Order child support or spousal maintenance modifications
• Make decisions involving abuse, neglect, or safety concerns (mandatory reporting applies)
• Override explicit court orders

V. PROCESS AND PROCEDURES

5.1 Meetings and Communication

• Parenting Coordinator may meet with each parent individually, jointly, or with the minor child(ren) as appropriate
• Meetings shall occur [weekly/bi-weekly/monthly] or as needed
• Parents shall comply with meeting attendance requirements; repeated unexcused absences may result in recommendations to the Court
• Communication may be conducted via in-person sessions, video conference, email, or telephone, at the Coordinator's discretion

5.2 Submission of Issues

Either parent may submit parenting disputes in writing to the Coordinator. Submissions shall include:

• Description of the dispute
• Relevant dates and facts
• The parent's proposed resolution
• Reference to relevant Parenting Plan provisions

5.3 Decision Timeline

The Parenting Coordinator shall issue decisions or recommendations within [10-15] business days of receiving complete information from both parents.

5.4 Dispute Resolution Process

Upon receiving a dispute:

1. Coordinator gathers information from both parents (verbal and/or written)
2. Coordinator may interview minor child(ren) if appropriate
3. Coordinator meets with parents to explore mutually acceptable solutions
4. If agreement is reached, Coordinator documents the resolution
5. If no agreement, Coordinator issues a decision (if within decision-making authority) or recommendation (if major issue)

5.5 Communication Standards

☐ Parents agree to communicate respectfully and cooperate with the Coordinator

☐ Parents shall not contact the Coordinator ex parte regarding pending disputes without prior notice to the other parent

☐ Emergency matters (child safety, health crisis) may be addressed directly; Coordinator shall immediately notify the other parent

VI. FEES AND COSTS

6.1 Compensation

The Parenting Coordinator's professional fee is $[_____] per hour, plus [mileage/travel/administrative costs].

6.2 Cost Allocation

Fees shall be shared equally by the Parties: each parent shall pay [50%] of all costs incurred, unless the Coordinator determines that a Party acted in bad faith, in which case costs may be apportioned differently.

6.3 Payment Terms

Each parent shall pay their share of fees [within 14 days of invoice/monthly in advance]. Failure to pay may result in suspension of services and referral to the Court.

6.4 Retainer

An initial retainer of $[_____] is due from each parent on [__/__/____].

VII. REPORTING TO COURT

7.1 Written Reports

The Parenting Coordinator shall file progress reports with the Court [quarterly/semi-annually] or upon request, addressing:

• Issues brought to the Coordinator
• Decisions and recommendations issued
• Parties' compliance with Coordinator directives
• Overall progress toward reduced conflict and plan implementation

7.2 Final Report

Upon termination of the appointment, the Coordinator shall file a final report summarizing the term of service, outcomes achieved, and recommendations for ongoing parenting arrangement.

7.3 Confidentiality Limitations

☐ Communications with the Parenting Coordinator are [confidential/not confidential] under [state] law.

☐ The Coordinator may disclose information to the Court as necessary to fulfill reporting obligations.

☐ The Coordinator shall report suspected child abuse, neglect, or safety concerns to appropriate authorities.

VIII. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

8.1 General Confidentiality

Information disclosed to the Parenting Coordinator in individual sessions, joint meetings, or written submissions shall be kept confidential, except as required by law or permitted in Section 8.2.

8.2 Exceptions to Confidentiality

The Parenting Coordinator may disclose information if:

• Required by law (abuse/neglect reporting, court order, subpoena)
• Necessary for the Coordinator's reports to the Court
• The parent consents in writing
• There is imminent danger to a child or other person

8.3 No Lawyer-Client Privilege

Communications with the Parenting Coordinator are not attorney-client privileged. The Parties understand that the Coordinator is a neutral facilitator, not a legal advisor.

8.4 Limited Arbitrator Immunity

The Parenting Coordinator shall not be compelled to testify in future litigation regarding matters within the scope of this appointment, except regarding child safety concerns.

IX. ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

9.1 Impartiality

The Parenting Coordinator shall remain impartial and shall not favor one parent over the other. The Coordinator shall disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest.

9.2 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The Coordinator has disclosed the following potential conflicts or prior relationships: [________________________________________________________________]

The Parties consent to the Coordinator's service notwithstanding such conflicts. ☐

9.3 Code of Conduct

The Parenting Coordinator shall adhere to the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Guidelines for Parenting Coordination (2019) and [applicable state bar/professional] ethical standards.

9.4 Bias and Prejudice

Either party may request the Coordinator's removal for bias or a substantial conflict of interest. The request shall be submitted in writing to the Court with supporting evidence.

X. TERM AND CONTINUATION

10.1 Initial Term

This appointment shall remain in effect for [____] months from the Effective Date, unless sooner terminated.

10.2 Renewal

This appointment may be renewed by mutual written agreement of the Parties and the Coordinator for successive [____]-month terms.

10.3 Modification

This Agreement may be modified by written consent of the Parties and the Coordinator, subject to Court approval if applicable.

XI. TERMINATION

11.1 Termination by Agreement

The Parties and the Coordinator may agree to terminate the appointment at any time by mutual written consent.

11.2 Termination by Party

Either parent may request termination upon [30] days' written notice to the other parent and the Coordinator, provided that any fees are paid in full.

11.3 Termination by Coordinator

The Coordinator may terminate the appointment if:

• Either party fails to pay fees as required
• Either party materially violates this Agreement
• The Coordinator is unable to continue due to illness, conflict of interest, or other circumstances
• The Parties' conflicts are resolved or re-litigation is commenced

11.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, the Coordinator shall file a final report with the Court and shall be relieved of further obligations except as to confidentiality and reporting of abuse/neglect.

XII. SIGNATURE PAGE

By signing below, the Parties and the Parenting Coordinator acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

MOTHER/PARENT 1:

Signature: _________________________________ Date: [__/__/____]

Print Name: [________________________________]

FATHER/PARENT 2:

Signature: _________________________________ Date: [__/__/____]

Print Name: [________________________________]

PARENTING COORDINATOR:

Signature: _________________________________ Date: [__/__/____]

Print Name: [________________________________]

License/Credential: [________________________________]

XIII. ACKNOWLEDGMENT (if Court-Appointed)

I hereby acknowledge that I have been appointed as Parenting Coordinator in the above-referenced matter and agree to perform my duties in accordance with this Agreement and applicable law.

Parenting Coordinator: _________________________________ Date: [__/__/____]

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• AFCC Guidelines for Parenting Coordination (2019): Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Standards for impartiality, scope of authority, and ethical conduct.
• Colorado Rev. Stat. § 14-10-128.3: Parenting coordinator statutory framework (example).
• Florida Stat. § 61.125: Mediation and parenting coordination provisions.
• Minnesota Stat. § 518.1791: Parenting coordinator appointment and authority.
• Uniform Collaborative Family Law Act (UCFLA): Model statutory language adopted in several states.
• Supreme Court Standards (jurisdiction-specific): Consult local court rules for parenting coordinator qualifications and procedural requirements.