What am I signing? Part 1 of a 9 Part Video Series

A summary for those who prefer to read

What Am I Signing? What is the Parenting Coordinator Participation Agreement? The Participation Agreement is the document that creates the working relationship between the parents and the Parenting Coordinator. It explains how parenting disputes will be managed, how information may be gathered, and how issues may be resolved. Am I hiring a private judge? No. A Parenting Coordinator is not a judge, therapist, or lawyer for either parent. A Parenting Coordinator is a neutral professional who helps parents implement existing parenting arrangements and resolve practical disputes that arise after separation. Why do parents need a Parenting Coordinator if they already have a court order or separation agreement? Court orders and agreements often establish general parenting arrangements but cannot anticipate every future situation. Parenting Coordinators help address implementation issues that arise as children grow and circumstances change. What kinds of issues does a Parenting Coordinator deal with? Parenting Coordinators typically address practical implementation issues such as schedules, exchanges, holidays, school matters, extracurricular activities, and other day-to-day parenting questions not fully addressed by an existing order or agreement.  Is Parenting Coordination about controlling parents? No. Parenting Coordination is primarily about creating a process. The Participation Agreement establishes a framework for raising concerns, exchanging information, resolving disputes, and making decisions when necessary. Can I contact the Parenting Coordinator every time I'm frustrated with the other parent? Parents can raise concerns, but Parenting Coordination is not designed to be ongoing commentary about the other parent. The focus is usually on identifying issues that require implementation or resolution and determining practical next steps. Will the Parenting Coordinator take my side? No. The Parenting Coordinator's role is neutral. Parents sometimes expect the Parenting Coordinator to agree with them, but neutrality requires an impartial approach focused on implementation rather than advocacy. Is Parenting Coordination about proving who was right in the past? No. Parenting Coordination is generally forward-looking. The focus is usually on what needs to happen next to make the parenting arrangement work rather than relitigating past disputes. Can a Parenting Coordinator decide whatever they think is best for my child? No. Parenting Coordinators operate within defined limits and delegated authority. The first question is always whether they have authority to address the issue before considering how it should be resolved. Can a Parenting Coordinator decide where my child lives? Generally not. Major parenting changes often remain outside the Parenting Coordinator's authority and may require court involvement, arbitration, mediation, or another legal process. Can a Parenting Coordinator change parenting time? Parenting Coordinators may be able to address certain implementation issues affecting an existing parenting schedule, depending on the terms of the appointment. That is different from creating an entirely new parenting arrangement. What is the difference between implementing and changing a parenting plan? Implementation involves addressing practical questions arising from an existing arrangement. Changing a parenting plan involves fundamentally altering the arrangement itself. Parenting Coordination primarily focuses on implementation. Can a Parenting Coordinator decide school issues? It depends on the specific issue and the authority granted by the applicable court order, agreement, and legal framework. Many day-to-day educational issues may involve implementation questions that fall within Parenting Coordinator authority. What authority am I agreeing to when I sign the Participation Agreement? You are agreeing to participate in a structured implementation and dispute-resolution process. The Parenting Coordinator may assist, facilitate discussions, make recommendations, and, in some circumstances, make determinations within delegated authority. What's the key takeaway? By signing the Roster Agreement, you are not giving a Parenting Coordinator unlimited authority over your children. You are agreeing to participate in a structured process designed to help implement existing parenting arrangements and resolve disputes without repeatedly returning to court.