I am a qualified Parenting Coordinator and a member of Parenting Coordination Australia. A parenting coordinator (PC) is a neutral third party who helps divorced or separated parents implement their parenting plan and resolve conflicts in a child centred way.
Their role begins after parenting orders or parenting agreements/plans are established and focuses on helping parents manage day-to-day issues, implement agreements, and reduce conflict to improve outcomes for the children.
This is different from a mediator, whose role is to help parents reach their initial agreements. The parenting coordination process is non-confidential and reportable in a Court, so both parties are held accountable for their actions and behaviour.
As well as coaching, education and conflict management, parenting coordination may also involve a degree of monitoring to ensure each party complies with any relevant court orders as well as the monitoring of emails and messages to evaluate communication skills and identify any improvements needed.
Note: Parenting Coordination is not a substitute for mediation, therapy, legal advice, counselling, or psychological services. It’s a structured neutral, co parenting support role focused on practical implementation and reducing conflict.
Parenting Coordination is conducted in accordance with the Australian Legal and professional guidelines; however, it is not a confidential mediation process under the Family Law Act 1975 (cth), and information may be shared with the court, legal representatives, or other authorised professionals where required by court order, written agreement, or legal obligation (including child safety concerns). I am a mandatory reporter for any abuse or risk of abuse, threats, neglect to any party or property and extended beyond that including children.
The process involves:
