Parent Coordination
In 2009 the Florida Legislature codified a practice that is gaining popularity in many states, and now in Florida. The parenting coordination process is an alternative to litigating child related family law matters in front of a judge. You, the parents, work closely with a Parent Coordinator, a neutral third party, to create, modify, or implement a Parenting Plan. Disputes between parents can be resolved in a confidential process without resorting to highly contested and expensive legal tactics.
Getting to a parent coordinator is simple if both parties agree. You simply obtain the name of a qualified parent coordinator and schedule your first appointment. The parent coordinator should be able to handle all the paperwork if you do not have attorneys. If you do have have legal representation then your attorney should make the arrangements. If both parents do not consent to this process, then a motion must be made with the Court in your jurisdiction. The judge will determine if Parent Coordination is the appropriate way to resolve your disputes.
In Florida, a qualified parent coordinator must meet one of the following requirements: be a licensed mental health professional, be a physician with a certification in psychiatry and neurology, be a certified family law mediator with at least a master's degree in a mental health field, or be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar. In addition, your parent coordinator must have at least 3 years of experience in his or her field, complete a family mediation training certified by the Florida Supreme court, and complete at least 24 hours of parent coordination training. The court may also require additional qualifications to address issues specific to the case.
In Orange County, Florida, the court maintains a list of qualified parent coordinators. If your jurisdiction does not maintain such a list, it is recommended you contact a referral organization such as the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. www.afccnet.org
The cost of parent cooridination is usually shared by the parents. In some cases, only one parent will be responsible for the cost. The cost is much less than the average legal and court costs for resolving these types of disputes.
Debra G. Simms, P.A. is an experienced and qualified parent coordinator. In addition to being a member in good standing of the Florida Bar, she has received a master's degree in social work and is a certified family law mediator.