What is the role of a parenting coordinator in child custody cases in New Jersey?

If you are facing a child custody case in New Jersey, it is natural to feel uncertain and anxious about what the future holds. Many parents are unsure of the process and what their rights are when it comes to custody arrangements. At Freeman Law Center, LLC, we understand that this is a challenging time for you. Our team is here to support you, providing guidance and helping you navigate through the complexities of your case. We want you to feel confident in knowing that there are professionals available to assist, and we are committed to ensuring you achieve a successful result.

Understanding the Role of a Parenting Coordinator

A parenting coordinator is an individual appointed by the court in some child custody cases to help parents resolve disputes and work through ongoing issues related to child custody. Their main goal is to support the parents in finding solutions that are in the best interest of the child. This neutral third party helps parents communicate and collaborate more effectively, particularly when emotions and tensions run high. They act as a mediator, offering suggestions and strategies to help parents make decisions together regarding their children’s well-being.

Parenting coordinators are often brought into cases where there is a history of conflict or difficulty in co-parenting. Their role is to reduce the level of tension between parents and create a space where both individuals can discuss issues related to their child’s upbringing without the stress of ongoing disputes.

How Parenting Coordinators Help in Child Custody Cases

When it comes to child custody, making decisions about a child’s education, health care, and general well-being can often lead to disagreements between parents. These disagreements can disrupt the child’s life, causing confusion and distress for the child involved. Parenting coordinators step in to address these conflicts and prevent them from escalating into legal battles. They work to facilitate better communication between the parents and help them come to agreements without the need for constant court intervention.

Firm Overview

Brian Freeman

Partner

New Jersey Attorney Kisha Pinnock

Kisha J. Pinnock

Associate

Firm Overview

Michael J. Cicala

Of Counsel

Firm Overview

Nilaja Ford

Of Counsel

Michael Wiseberg

Of Counsel

In many cases, parenting coordinators work alongside the family court system. The court may order that a parenting coordinator be involved to help resolve ongoing disputes between parents or assist with the implementation of a custody order. In some cases, the parents themselves may request the involvement of a parenting coordinator if they believe it will help them reach a resolution in a more peaceful and cooperative manner.

The Role of the Parenting Coordinator in Mediation

Mediation is one of the most common tools used by parenting coordinators to help parents reach agreements. This process is not about taking sides, but rather about facilitating a discussion that allows both parents to express their concerns and needs in a safe and controlled environment. During mediation sessions, the parenting coordinator helps parents identify areas of agreement, as well as the issues that are causing conflict.

Through structured conversations, the parenting coordinator can help parents work through problems and come to agreements on important matters like visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, and other matters that affect the child’s life. The goal is to create an environment where both parents feel heard and respected, allowing them to come to a mutual understanding that benefits their child.

Mr. Freeman represented me in a child custody case during the beginning of difficult times of Covid. As a father, I was at first worried about what the outcome of the case Maybe. However, Mr. Freeman assured me he would get me my rights.

Thanks to knowledgeable Mr. Freeman and his professional staff, I was granted my rights. Cindy & Mr. Freeman were able to answer all my questions without delay. Highly recommend!

SAM BEAST

If you need a great family lawyer I recommend the freeman law center without hesitation. My life was a complete shambles because of the divorce I had to go through I didn’t know that i could feel so bad. The efforts that I received from Brian was outstanding and I can’t put in words how much I appreciated the way I was treated by his staff.

Their slogan “Quality and Commitment” was not just words it was action.

RON THATCHER

In some cases, a parenting coordinator may also be involved in helping parents revise existing agreements or custody arrangements if they are no longer working effectively. This can be particularly helpful when a child’s needs change, such as as they grow older or if one parent’s circumstances change.

The Parenting Coordinator’s Role in Conflict Resolution

One of the most important aspects of a parenting coordinator’s role is conflict resolution. Parents who are in the midst of a custody battle often experience high levels of stress and frustration, which can make it difficult for them to see eye to eye on important matters. A parenting coordinator’s role is to help ease that tension and provide strategies to resolve conflicts in a way that prioritizes the child’s best interest.

The parenting coordinator helps parents find common ground in situations where disagreements are frequent or particularly heated. Whether it’s a disagreement over parenting styles, visitation rights, or day-to-day decisions, the coordinator provides a safe and neutral space for both parents to voice their concerns. By guiding both parents through the process, the coordinator helps them avoid escalating their disputes and potentially involving the court in every disagreement. This can help keep things calm, reducing the overall stress for both parents and the child involved.

Related Videos

The First Step of Divorce

The Cost of Divorce

What Parents Can Expect When Working with a Parenting Coordinator

When you are assigned a parenting coordinator, it’s important to understand that they are there to support both parents. Their role is not to take sides or make decisions for you but to help facilitate communication and provide tools that enable you and your co-parent to make decisions together. Working with a parenting coordinator often involves attending regular meetings or sessions. These meetings are designed to address specific concerns that may arise, whether it’s setting a clear visitation schedule or addressing behavioral issues with your child.

Parents can expect the coordinator to provide suggestions and offer solutions to disputes. While the coordinator does not have the authority to make final decisions about custody arrangements, their input is often crucial in helping both parents reach an agreement. In some cases, the coordinator may make recommendations to the court if they believe a particular solution is in the best interest of the child.

The Impact of a Parenting Coordinator on Custody Arrangements

Having a parenting coordinator involved in your custody case can have a significant positive impact on both the parents and the child. By having an impartial third party involved in the decision-making process, parents are often able to approach problems with a calmer, more cooperative attitude. This can prevent ongoing conflict from negatively affecting the child, who may otherwise feel caught in the middle of parental disagreements.

In some cases, a parenting coordinator may even help parents come to agreements more quickly, reducing the overall time spent in court and avoiding additional legal costs. This streamlined approach to resolving conflicts can allow for more focus on what truly matters: ensuring the child’s needs are met and their well-being is prioritized.

If you are currently navigating a child custody case, it’s understandable that you may feel overwhelmed. You may have concerns about the impact of your case on your relationship with your child or worry about the possible outcomes. At Freeman Law Center, LLC, we are here to support you through every step of your case. We understand the emotional stress that comes with child custody battles, and we are committed to providing you with the compassionate legal guidance you need to make informed decisions.

Our firm has a team of experienced attorneys who are dedicated to helping parents secure favorable custody arrangements. We can guide you through the process of working with a parenting coordinator and ensure that your voice is heard throughout the process. We understand that every family situation is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of your case.

If you need assistance with your child custody case, including working with a parenting coordinator, don’t hesitate to reach out to Freeman Law Center, LLC. We are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your child custody concerns.

To learn more about this subject click here: How Can Parents Prepare for a Child Custody Evaluation in New Jersey?