How is a Parent Coordinator different than a Mediator?

If you are engaged in any sort of parenting or custody dispute, you may have heard the terms "Parent Coordination" and "Mediation" but you may not understand the difference between these important roles. A parent coordinator and a mediator serve similar but different roles in the context of resolving conflicts, particularly within co-parenting situations:

What is the role of a Parent Coordinator?

1. A parent coordinator is typically appointed by the court or agreed upon by both parties involved in a custody dispute.

2. Their primary role is to assist parents in implementing and adhering to their parenting plan or custody agreement.

3. They sometimes have the authority to make decisions or recommendations regarding specific issues, such as visitation schedules or communication between parents, particularly when there is ongoing conflict, depending on the scope of their appointment.

4. Parent coordinators may have a background in law, psychology, or social work, and they usually have specialized training in conflict resolution and family dynamics.

5. A Parent Coordinator is typically engaged not to help resolve a specific dispute but in an ongoing manner to assist in long-term relationship building and dispute resolution.

6. A Parent Coordinator may or may not memorialize agreements in the form of an email or memorandum of understanding.

What is the role of a Mediator?

1. A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between disputing parties with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

2. Mediation is sometimes voluntary and sometimes court-ordered, and both parties must agree to participate.

3. Unlike a parent coordinator, a mediator never has decision-making authority. Instead, they help the parties explore options, identify common ground, and work towards a resolution that results in a signed written agreement. There are no verbal agreements or "recommendations" that result from mediation. An agreement is only reached if an agreement is signed.

4. Mediators may have backgrounds in law, psychology, social work, or other fields related to conflict resolution, and they are trained in techniques to foster constructive dialogue and problem-solving.

5. A mediator typically serves in the role for a very limited time to resolve a specific dispute. They are not engaged in an ongoing manner.

In summary, while both a parent coordinator and a mediator work towards resolving conflicts, they are different and serve specific roles. You may benefit from one or both in your case. If you believe you could benefit from one or the other, feel free to contact our office at 240-396-4373 today to schedule a consultation.