Difference Between Parenting Coordination (PC) &
Family Mediation
Parenting Coordination, Mediation, and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) are all methods used to help separated or divorced parents resolve parenting disputes without going to or back to court. However, they differ significantly in their purpose, scope, process, and authority. Here's a clear comparison:
Purpose & Focus
Parenting Coordination is not designed to create a new parenting plan or negotiate changes to existing court orders. Such issues are better addressed through Mediation or Family Dispute Resolution.
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While Mediation is a confidential process, Parenting Coordination—when ordered by the Court or agreed upon by both parties—is generally non-confidential.
Both parents will be held accountable for their conduct during the process to help reduce high-conflict communication and support a more cooperative co-parenting relationship.
What PC Is:
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Parenting Coordination helps parents implement and follow existing parenting plans or court orders by managing ongoing disputes and improving communication.
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PC is a supportive process where a neutral professional assists parents in resolving day-to-day parenting conflicts to reduce tension and promote cooperative co-parenting.
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Unlike mediation, Parenting Coordination focuses on enforcing agreements and making minor decisions when authorized, rather than negotiating new arrangements.
What PC is Not
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Parenting Coordination is not a process for creating or negotiating new parenting plans or changing existing court orders.
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PC is not confidential like mediation; the process is typically open, especially if ordered by the court or agreed upon by the parents.
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PC is not about making major legal decisions but focuses on resolving everyday parenting disputes and improving communication between parents.
Who are PC's?
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A Parenting Coordinator is a qualified professional—such as a lawyer or social scientist—who has completed specialized training in both Mediation and Parenting Coordination.
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It is essential to select a Parenting Coordinator who is properly credentialed and adheres to the Guidelines for Parenting Coordination established by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Why Use PC?
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Helps you settle disputes outside of family law courts, saving you costly legal fees.
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Supports your family in navigating disagreements and managing conflict.
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Lessens the negative impact of conflict on your children’s well-being and future prospects.
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Prevents future court applications by addressing misunderstandings and clarifying any gaps in parenting orders or plans.
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Reduces the need for ongoing legal involvement in resolving disputes over the interpretation of family law orders or parenting plans.
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When you already have a parenting plan or court orders but find it difficult to communicate or cooperate with your co-parent.
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If ongoing conflicts or disagreements about day-to-day parenting issues are causing stress and impacting your children.
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When disputes frequently arise over scheduling, decision-making, or interpretation of parenting orders.
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If previous attempts at mediation or dispute resolution have not fully resolved your conflicts.
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To prevent minor issues from escalating into legal battles, reducing the need for repeated court involvement.
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When you want a neutral professional to help manage and reduce high-conflict communication and promote healthier co-parenting.
When to Use PC?
Parenting coordination is usually conducted as a 90-minute session, once a month for a period of up to 2 years. The process can be terminated earlier if the parties agree.
Costs for Parenting Coordination are as follows:
Initial individual session ~ $440 per parent
Subsequent sessions ~ $350 per parent (this includes preparation time and preparation and circulation of Minutes after the meeting)
Work undertaken between meetings (e.g.: monitoring or reviewing correspondence) $235 per hour
Costs are usually per parent, but different arrangements can be agreed or ordered.
Financial sanctions are imposed on parties who cancel sessions without sufficient notice, to ensure the other parent is not financially disadvantaged.
COST of PC
APPOINT a PC
A Parenting Coordinator can be appointed by a judge through a court application, or by mutual agreement between parents—either within a Parenting Plan, a Consent Order, or a separate written agreement.
If your matter is currently before the Court, you can request that the Court make an order for Parenting Coordination.
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Once you either have an Order or an agreement to appoint a Parenting Coordinator, you will need to sign a Parenting Coordination Agreement.
A Sample Parenting Coordination Order for Australian family law matters and copy of our Agreement can be downloaded.