Parenting Coordinators in North Carolina High-Conflict Custody Cases

Custody

Some families return to court constantly over questions that do not warrant a hearing. A parenting coordinator answers those in days rather than months.

On this page

1. What a coordinator is
2. When one is appointed
3. Cost and who pays
4. Making it work

What a parenting coordinator is

A parenting coordinator is a court-appointed professional used in high-conflict custody cases. The role exists because some families return to court constantly over decisions that do not warrant a hearing: which weekend the recital falls on, whether a child can change soccer clubs, who keeps the inhaler. A coordinator resolves those in days rather than months.

The coordinator implements an existing custody order. They do not replace it, and they do not decide the big questions — legal custody, the underlying schedule, support — which remain with the court.

What a coordinator can and cannot do

When one is appointed

Appointment generally follows a determination that the case is high conflict and that the parties have the ability to pay for the service. The order defines the coordinator’s authority and its term. Parents can also agree to the appointment, which is usually the better route because a coordinator whose authority both parents accepted works far more effectively.

How coordination works in practice

The point is speed. A question answered in three days does not become a motion in three months.

Cost and who pays

Parenting coordination is a paid service, and the order allocates the cost between the parents, commonly in proportion to income or equally. It is not free, and it is not appropriate for every family. For a household returning to court three times a year, it is usually far cheaper than the motions it replaces.

Making it work

• Bring the question, not the history. Coordinators are not there to relitigate the marriage.
• Put the dispute in writing, briefly, with the relevant provision of the order attached.
• Accept decisions you dislike. Appealing every one defeats the purpose and costs more.
• Keep the children out of it entirely.

Christopher Adkins has completed parenting coordinator training and serves in that role as well as representing parents. Read more about family law at Adkins Law.

A coordinator is not a luxury for high-conflict families. It is usually the cheapest line item in the case.Christopher Adkins, Adkins Law

Frequently asked questions

What does a parenting coordinator do?

Resolves day-to-day disputes under an existing custody order, interprets ambiguous provisions and sets logistics, so the parents do not have to file motions.

Can a coordinator change custody?

No. Legal and physical custody, the underlying schedule and support remain with the court.

Who pays for a parenting coordinator?

The appointing order allocates the cost between the parents, commonly by income share or equally.

Can we agree to appoint one?

Yes, and agreed appointments usually work better because both parents accepted the coordinator’s authority at the outset.

If you are back in court every few months, ask about this

Parenting coordination is often the least expensive way out of a cycle of motions. Adkins Law can tell you whether your case qualifies and what it would cost.

Call Adkins Law (704) 274-5677Text (704) 231-5762Request a consultation

Adkins Law, PLLC · 9620 Sherrill Estates Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 · Calling or texting does not create an attorney–client relationship.

Keep reading

• Child custody
• Parenting plans
• Mediation
• Safety and protective orders

About the author: Christopher Adkins

Chris Adkins is the founder of Adkins Law, PLLC in Huntersville, North Carolina, a certified mediator with the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, a parenting coordinator, and the author of The Book on Divorce in North Carolina. He previously served six and a half years as a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer and served as a Combat Engineer officer in the North Carolina Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, deploying to Kuwait in 2012–2013.

Read the full profile · Request a consultation · (704) 274-5677

This page provides general information about North Carolina law for educational purposes. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Statutes, court rules and local practice change, and the outcome of any case depends on its own facts. Speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney about your situation. Written by Christopher Adkins, attorney at Adkins Law, PLLC, Huntersville, North Carolina.