What Is Parenting Coordination?

Parenting coordination is a structured dispute resolution process for separated parents who experience ongoing conflict about parenting matters. It can help parents implement existing parenting plans, separation agreements or court orders, address day-to-day parenting disputes, and improve communication while keeping the focus on their children’s needs.

What Parent Coordination Helps With

  • Implementing parenting plans, separation agreements or court orders
  • Parenting schedules, exchanges and transitions
  • Children’s activities, education and routine parenting matters
  • Addressing recurring disagreements about parenting decisions
  • Reducing child exposure to parental conflict

Benefits of Parenting Coordination

Reduce Ongoing Conflict

Address recurring parenting disputes through a structured process.

Improve Communication

Support clearer communication and information-sharing between parents.

Support Child-Focused Decisions

Keep children’s needs and circumstances central to parenting discussions.

Implement Parenting Arrangements

Help address disputes that arise when implementing parenting plans, agreements or court orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Mediation generally helps parties negotiate and reach agreements. Parenting coordination typically focuses on helping separated parents implement existing parenting arrangements and address ongoing disputes. The specific role and authority of the parenting coordinator depend on the parties’ agreement or applicable court order.

Yes. Parenting coordination services can be provided virtually throughout Ontario. In-person appointments may also be available in Ottawa

Parenting coordination may arise through an agreement between the parties or in connection with a court order. The circumstances and scope of the parenting coordinator’s role will depend on the particular matter.

A parenting coordinator’s decision-making authority depends on the terms of the parenting coordination agreement and any applicable court order. Where decision-making authority has been properly established, the parenting coordinator may be authorized to make determinations on specific parenting issues within that defined scope.