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Roster Contract

Understanding the BC Roster Contract

This guide walks you through the BC Parenting Coordination Roster Contract, section by section, with a series of clear video walkthroughs. See how it defines the role and sets expectations for your family. These explanations reflect the interpretation of the writer only and are not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for an explanation of your own contract. Interpretations may vary, and the BC Court is the ultimate decider of what the terms of a contract mean. This information is offered for general guidance only. If you disagree with anything here, feedback is welcome.

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What does the roster contract cover?

Quick summaries of the subject matter under the BC Parenting Coordination Roster Contract.

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1.01: Authority comes from Authorizing Instruments (court order, agreement, etc.), not just the Participation Agreement. 1.02: The Participation Agreement governs the working relationship regardless of how the Parenting Coordinator (PC) was appointed. 1.03: The PC's purpose is to help interpret, implement, and manage parenting arrangements, not just resolve disputes. 1.04: PCs must meet professional standards, be BCPCRS members, and belong to an appropriate profession. 1.05: Mandatory family violence screening, assessment of suitability, power imbalances, and safety concerns. 1.06: Separate intake meetings for candid discussion of family history, safety, and suitability. 1.07: Screening information is confidential between the parent and PC, with legal exceptions; this is different from ordinary communications. Also see 5.02, 5.05, 5.06 for broader information-sharing rules. 1.08: Screening is ongoing throughout the appointment, not just at intake. 1.09: Standard term is 24 months unless otherwise specified. 1.10: Renewal is not automatic; requires discussion and agreement. 1.11: One parent cannot usually terminate the PC; both must agree, or court/arbitral involvement is needed. 1.12: The PC may withdraw for safety, non-payment, conflicts, or professional reasons, with notice where possible.

The Contract's Promise

A contract built to help you move forward

Plain-language answers to common questions about what the roster contract does and how it works in BC.

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The contract sets out a clear process for resolving disagreements. It names how communication happens, how costs are handled, and what happens if a parent refuses to participate. That structure keeps disputes from stalling.

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Find quick answers about the roster contract process and what it means for you.

Frequently Misunderstood Provisions and Common Myths (with Section References)

1.11: One parent cannot usually fire the PC. 6.05: Refusing to participate does not stop the process. 1.07, 3.03, 5.05, 5.06: Not all communications are confidential; screening info is treated differently. 5.02, 8.03: Parents do not have automatic access to the PC's file. 5.06: PC may withhold information to protect children or relationships. 3.01: PC is neutral, not an advocate for either parent. 6.07: PC controls the process, not the parents. 4.02: PC cannot decide on major changes or issues outside their jurisdiction. 4.03, 6.06: Recommendations are not binding; determinations are. 5.07, 9.05: Secret recordings are prohibited. 10.05, 10.07: Non-payment by one parent does not necessarily stop the process. 10.02: Fees may be reallocated, not always 50/50. 8.01–8.05: Court remains the final authority.

How the Agreement Works as a System (Section References Throughout)

Sections 1–4: Authority and limits are established together. Sections 1.05–1.08, 1.07, 3.03, 5.02, 5.05, 5.06: Confidentiality is layered and context-dependent. Section 6: PC controls process; parents control their positions. 1.11, 6.05, 10.05, 10.07: Participation cannot easily be frustrated by non-participation, non-payment, or attempted termination. 6.06, 8.01–8.05: Determinations are binding but subject to court review. Section 10: Fees and process are interconnected. 11.01, 11.05, 8.01–8.05: Accountability and protection are balanced.

Key Takeaways Before Signing (References Throughout)

Implementation Focus: PC helps implement existing arrangements (1.03, 4.01). Mandatory Screening: Ongoing assessment for violence and suitability (1.05–1.08). Confidentiality Distinctions: Screening info is confidential (1.07); other communications are not (3.03, 5.05). PC Is Not a Therapist or Lawyer: Role is distinct (3.01, 3.03). Process Control: PC manages the process (6.07). Participation: Refusal to participate does not halt the process (6.05). Termination: One parent cannot usually terminate the PC (1.11). Third-Party Communication: PC may contact relevant professionals (4.04). Recommendations vs. Determinations: Know the difference (4.03, 6.06). File Ownership: PC's file is not automatically accessible (5.02, 8.03). No Secret Recordings: Prohibited (5.07, 9.05). Payment: Non-payment does not necessarily stop the process (10.05, 10.07). Cost Sharing: Not always 50/50 (10.02). Court Authority: Court remains the ultimate authority (8.01–8.05).

The Long Form 68 Page explanation

This explanation reflects the interpretation of the writer only and is not legal advice.

The 68 page Contract Explanation

Section-by-Section Summary of the Parenting Coordination Agreement

This structured summary provides a clear overview of each section’s purpose and content, making the agreement easier to understand and reference.

1.00 Appointment of Parenting Coordinator

• Outlines the appointment of the Parenting Coordinator (PC), the governing documents, the PC’s qualifications, the intake/screening process, confidentiality, term of appointment (24 months), renewal/termination procedures, and withdrawal process for the PC.

2.00 Suspension of Court Proceedings & Waiver of Right to Litigate

• Parents agree not to start or continue court proceedings on matters within the PC’s jurisdiction during the term, waiving their right to litigate such issues except as allowed by law.

3.00 Role of the Parenting Coordinator

• Defines the PC as a neutral third party (not a lawyer or therapist), whose role is to help resolve parenting issues, coach parents, refer to resources, consult third parties, and make binding determinations if consensus cannot be reached.

4.00 Services of the Parenting Coordinator

• Lists the services the PC may provide (e.g., interpreting parenting plans, resolving scheduling conflicts, facilitating communication, making determinations on daily routines, education, health care, etc.), and specifies matters the PC cannot decide (e.g., guardianship changes, substantial changes to parenting time, relocation, property division). 7.00 Obligations of the Parents • Parents must comply with the agreement, prioritize children’s best interests, cooperate with the PC, provide requested information, and sign necessary releases. 8.00 Further Court Proceedings • Parents may apply to court to enforce or review PC decisions, with procedures for notice and timelines. The PC’s file remains confidential unless ordered otherwise, and costs for subpoenas or file production are addressed. 9.00 Remote Participation & Use of Information and Communication Technology • Allows use of technology (e.g., Zoom, email) for the process, sets rules for privacy, consent for others’ presence, and releases the PC from liability for inadvertent disclosures.

5.00 Privacy, Confidentiality & Duty to Report

• Sets out confidentiality rules, exceptions (e.g., safety, legal requirements), ownership of PC’s file, use of electronic communication, prohibition on recording without consent, and the PC’s duty to report child protection concerns or imminent risk of harm.

6.00 Parenting Coordination Process

• A. Consensus Building: PC helps parents reach agreement on disputes; agreements are binding unless changed by further agreement or law. • B. Determination Making: If consensus fails, the PC can make binding decisions, using informal or formal processes, with written reasons provided.

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9 contract questions, answered

Read the answers parents ask most about the BC Roster Contract.

7.00 Obligations of the Parents

• Parents must comply with the agreement, prioritize children’s best interests, cooperate with the PC, provide requested information, and sign necessary releases.

8.00 Further Court Proceedings

• Parents may apply to court to enforce or review PC decisions, with procedures for notice and timelines. The PC’s file remains confidential unless ordered otherwise, and costs for subpoenas or file production are addressed.

9.00 Remote Participation & Use of Information and Communication Technology

• Allows use of technology (e.g., Zoom, email) for the process, sets rules for privacy, consent for others’ presence, and releases the PC from liability for inadvertent disclosures.

10.00 Fees, Disbursements and Other Charges

• Details the PC’s hourly rate, fee sharing, retainer and deposit requirements, billing procedures, interest on late payments, cancellation fees, and procedures if payment is not made.

11.00 General

• Addresses waiver of claims against the PC, amendment procedures, dispute resolution for agreement terms, and consent for the PC to release information if a complaint is made.

12.00 Interpretation

• Defines key terms (e.g., consensus building, determination making), clarifies interpretation of undefined terms, severability, and survival of certain sections after the agreement ends.