When parents can’t agree on basic decisions about their children, every day becomes a battle. High-conflict custody situations drain emotional energy, strain finances, and most importantly, they take a toll on the children caught in the middle. If you find yourself constantly returning to court and/or spending a substantial amount in attorney’s fees over parenting disputes, there’s a valuable resource you should know about: parenting coordination.
If you’re exhausted from ongoing custody disputes and want to explore whether parenting coordination might help your situation, contact Eatmon Law Firm, PC today. Our experienced family law attorneys can evaluate your case and discuss your options for creating a more peaceful co-parenting relationship.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator?
A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional appointed by the court to help high-conflict divorced or separated parents make decisions about their children and implement their custody orders. In North Carolina, parenting coordinators are typically experienced family law attorneys, mental health professionals, or mediators who have received specialized training in managing high-conflict parenting situations.
Unlike a mediator who facilitates voluntary agreements, a parenting coordinator has decision-making authority granted by the court. This means when parents reach an impasse on issues related to their parenting plan, the parenting coordinator can make binding decisions within the scope of their appointment.
Signs You May Need a Parenting Coordinator
Not every custody case requires parenting coordination. This service is specifically designed for situations where conflict between parents is ongoing and severe. You might benefit from a parenting coordinator if you struggle to have any productive conversation with your co-parent about your children without it escalating into an argument. Perhaps you or your co-parent regularly files motions asking the court to intervene in parenting disputes, turning every disagreement into a legal battle.
Many high-conflict parents find they can’t reach agreement on routine matters like medical care, school activities, extracurricular schedules, or holiday arrangements. These constant disputes create stress that children inevitably absorb, often displaying anxiety, behavioral problems, or emotional distress. When one or both parents frequently fail to follow the terms of the custody order, whether intentionally or due to differing interpretations, the situation becomes even more strained.
How Parenting Coordination Works in North Carolina
When a court appoints a parenting coordinator in North Carolina, the order specifies the scope of the coordinator’s authority and the duration of the appointment, which typically lasts one to two years. The coordinator monitors whether both parents are following the custody order and addresses violations promptly. When parents disagree on how to implement the parenting plan, the coordinator works with both parties to find solutions. If parents can’t reach agreement, the coordinator has the authority to make decisions on their behalf.
Beyond resolving disputes, parenting coordinators teach parents effective co-parenting communication strategies and may establish specific communication protocols to reduce conflict. They can also adjust schedules and arrangements to address changing circumstances without requiring court intervention. What Issues Can a Parenting Coordinator Address?
Parenting coordinators handle day-to-day implementation issues and disputes that would otherwise require court hearings. They regularly address scheduling conflicts for holidays, vacations, and special events, along with transportation arrangements and exchange locations. When questions arise about children’s extracurricular activities, school events, or healthcare decisions that fall within existing guidelines, the coordinator can provide clarity and make decisions.
Communication often becomes a major source of conflict in high-conflict custody cases. Parenting coordinators help establish effective communication methods between parents and with children. They also interpret vague or ambiguous custody order provisions and can make minor adjustments to parenting time schedules as needs change.
However, parenting coordinators cannot make major changes to custody arrangements, modify child support, or address other issues outside their court-appointed authority. Significant modifications still require court action.
Benefits of Working With a Parenting Coordinator
For families trapped in cycles of conflict, parenting coordination offers a path forward that reduces the need for constant court involvement. Instead of filing motions for every disagreement, you have an accessible professional who can address issues timely. While there is a fee for parenting coordination services, which is normally split equally by the parents, it’s typically far less expensive than repeated court battles
The timeline difference alone can be significant. Courts have crowded dockets, which means waiting months for a hearing on urgent issues. A parenting coordinator can address those same concerns within days. Because parenting coordinators prioritize the children’s best interests, they help parents shift focus away from their own conflict and toward what matters most.
Over time, many parents find they develop better communication and conflict resolution skills that serve them long after the coordinator’s role ends. Children benefit from more predictable routines and less chaos, experiencing the consistency they need during an already difficult transition.
How to Request a Parenting Coordinator
Either parent can request that the court appoint a parenting coordinator. In many cases, the parties consent to the appointment of a PC. Your attorney can file a motion explaining the high-conflict situation and why parenting coordination would benefit your children. The court will consider the history of conflict between the parents, any prior violations of custody orders, and the level of stress on the children. Judges also look at whether less intensive interventions have failed and whether both parents show willingness to work with a coordinator.
At Eatmon Law Firm, PC, Christine Eatmon and Tamara Brooks serve as parenting coordinators for high-conflict custody cases throughout Wake, Durham, Franklin, and Granville Counties. With Chris’ certification as a North Carolina Board Certified Family Law Specialist and both Tamara and Chris’ extensive experience in complex custody matters, they understand the challenges these families face.
Moving Forward: Finding Peace for Your Family
High-conflict custody situations don’t have to define your family’s future. Parenting coordination provides structure, accountability, and professional guidance to help you move beyond constant battles and focus on what matters most: your children’s well-being.
Call us at 919-435-0565 or visit our Wake Forest office to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find a better path forward for your family.