Choosing Wisely: How to Select the Best Parenting Coordinator for Your Clients

When it comes to co-parenting after separation or divorce, enlisting the help of a skilled parenting coordinator can make a world of difference to parents in implementing their parenting agreements or orders in a way that manages ongoing conflict. The right parenting coordinator can facilitate effective communication, guide parents through challenging disputes, and prioritise the best interests of the children involved. As an organisation committed to promoting positive co-parenting outcomes, Parenting Coordination Australia understands the significance of selecting the best parenting coordinator for your clients. In this blog post, we provide valuable insights and tips to help you make informed decisions when choosing a parenting coordinator who will best serve the needs of your clients.

1. Assessing Experience and Qualifications:

When selecting a parenting coordinator, evaluate their experience and qualifications in the field of family law, conflict resolution, and child development. Look for professionals who have completed accredited parenting coordination training that meets the best practice guidelines in their jurisdiction, possess relevant certifications, and have a track record of successful co-parenting interventions. A knowledgeable and seasoned parenting coordinator is better equipped to navigate complex family dynamics and address diverse co-parenting challenges.

2. Understanding Parenting Coordinator’s Approach:

Every parenting coordinator may have a unique approach to working with families. It is crucial to ensure that their philosophy aligns with the values and goals of your clients. Consider scheduling an initial meeting with potential parenting coordinators to discuss their methods, strategies, and approach to conflict resolution, as well as the needs of your particular clients and their family and conflict dynamics. A compatible approach will contribute to a more productive and harmonious co-parenting process.

3. Assessing Communication Skills:

Strong communication skills are essential for a successful parenting coordinator. Look for professionals who excel at active listening, empathetic understanding, and effective communication with both parents and professionals. A parenting coordinator who can establish rapport and trust with clients fosters a conducive environment for resolving conflicts and nurturing cooperation between parents.

4. Evaluating Neutral Impartiality:

As a neutral third party, a parenting coordinator must remain impartial and unbiased in their role. Assess the parenting coordinator’s ability to maintain neutrality, even in high-conflict situations. Their impartiality is crucial to ensure that decisions they will assist parents to make are made in the best interests of the children, without favouring the views or approaches of one parent over the other.

5. Considering Availability and Flexibility:

Ensure that the parenting coordinator’s availability aligns with the needs of your clients. Coordinators who can accommodate flexible meeting schedules and respond promptly to emerging issues demonstrate a commitment to supporting families during their co-parenting journey.

6. Seeking Client Feedback and Testimonials:

Client testimonials and feedback offer valuable insights into a parenting coordinator’s effectiveness and professionalism. Don’t hesitate to request references from previous clients or inquire about feedback from other professionals who have worked with the parenting coordinator. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide reassurance and help you gauge their suitability for your clients.

Selecting the best parenting coordinator for your clients is a crucial step in promoting positive co-parenting outcomes post parenting orders or parenting agreements. By assessing their experience, qualifications, approach, and communication skills, you can make informed decisions that benefit the families you serve. Parenting Coordination Australia is dedicated to helping you find the right fit for your clients’ needs, ensuring that their co-parenting journey is guided with professionalism, empathy, and expertise. Together, let us continue to nurture harmonious and child-centric co-parenting environments, supporting families in their pursuit of brighter futures.

Are you interested in becoming a qualified parenting coordinator? Enrol in Parenting Coordination Australia’s upcoming three-day training. Whether you are a mediator, lawyer, social worker, or psychologist, this comprehensive training equips you with the necessary tools to excel in the realm of parenting coordination. Join us in this transformative journey and be a catalyst for change, making a profound impact on the lives of children and families across Australia. Enrol today and take your professional toolkit to new heights!

© Anne Purcell PhD and Cassandra Pullos, Co-founders of Parenting Coordination Australia