Parenting Coordination
Helping Parents Move Forward, Keeping Children Out of Conflict
Separation can be difficult for the whole family. When communication breaks down and disagreements continue, it can become challenging for parents to put their parenting arrangements into practice. Children may also feel the effects of ongoing tension between their parents.
Parenting coordination is a structured, child-focused process that can help parents manage recurring disagreements and implement existing parenting arrangements. Depending on the terms of the appointment and the authority provided, the process may include education, communication support, mediation and decision-making about specific unresolved parenting issues.
The aim is to help parents develop more workable ways of managing their parenting responsibilities, reduce the impact of conflict on their children, and create greater predictability and stability for their family.
When Can Parenting Coordination Help?
Parenting coordination may be helpful when parents have existing parenting arrangements but continue to experience disagreements that make those arrangements difficult to follow.
For some families, even routine decisions about schedules, transitions, communication or the children's needs can become a source of ongoing tension. When these disagreements continue, parents may find it difficult to resolve issues without further support.
Parenting coordination can provide a structured process to help parents:
Address recurring disagreements before they escalate.
Find practical ways to manage parenting responsibilities.
Improve communication and reduce misunderstandings.
Establish clearer expectations for implementing parenting arrangements.
Keep children out of adult disagreements and reduce their exposure to conflict.
The level of support needed will vary from family to family. The purpose is to help parents manage their responsibilities more constructively and support greater stability for their children.
Parenting coordination is not appropriate for every family. Suitability depends on the circumstances, any safety concerns, the applicable legal requirements and the terms of the appointment.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. The availability, scope, and authority of any parenting coordination appointment must be confirmed against the applicable Alberta requirements and the specific court order or agreement.