Parenting Coordinator Massachusetts

Introduction

Creating a workable parenting plan is central to resolving any divorce or custody dispute. Yet even well-crafted plans can lead to conflict when parents face differing perspectives, emotions, or communication styles. Disagreements about schedules, activities, school, healthcare, or day-to-day parenting responsibilities can strain relationships and affect children. While most parents resolve minor disputes cooperatively as they arise, some couples benefit from a third party, called a parenting coordinator.

For families dealing with recurring disputes, the court system can feel overwhelming, costly, and slow. Parenting coordination offers a structured, child-focused process to address ongoing conflicts efficiently and with clarity.

This page provides an overview of parenting coordination, including how it works, when it may be helpful, how coordinators are appointed, and the role our firm can play in this process.

What Is Parenting Coordination?

Parenting coordination is a process designed to reduce conflict and support parents in making child-focused decisions. A parenting coordinator works with parents to implement their parenting plan, helping resolve disagreements as they arise. Unlike mediation, which is typically a one-time intervention, parenting coordination is ongoing and may last for months or years.

In Massachusetts, parenting coordination is governed by Standing Order 1-17 of the Probate and Family Court. A coordinator may be:

• Agreed upon by the parents and approved by the court, or
• Appointed by the court when conflict is interfering with the parenting plan or the well-being of the children.

While parenting coordinators provide guidance and structure, courts retain authority over custody, parenting time, and support. The coordinator’s role is to reduce conflict and facilitate solutions within the framework set by the court.

When Parenting Coordination May Be Useful

Parenting coordination can be helpful for families experiencing recurring conflict or difficulty implementing their parenting plan. Examples include families who:

• Encounter frequent disagreements about parenting time or day-to-day routines.
• Struggle with communication that leads to misunderstandings, missed exchanges, or disputes.
• Need structured guidance for decisions regarding school, medical care, or extracurricular activities.
• Have children affected by the ongoing tension between parents.
• Want to avoid repeated trips to court, with the associated stress, time, and cost.

Specific areas where a parenting coordinator can assist include:

• Adjusting pick-up and drop-off times or locations.
• Determining arrangements for childcare, tutoring, or summer programs.
• Coordinating extracurricular activities and transportation responsibilities.
• Resolving travel or passport-related disputes.
• Clarifying methods of communication between children and the non-custodial parent.
• Managing clothing, equipment, and personal belongings.
• Addressing involvement of new partners or extended family members.
• Considering counseling or therapy for children.
• Planning around religious observances or educational needs.

Even seemingly minor disputes can accumulate over time, affecting both parents and children. A parenting coordinator provides a neutral process to address these matters proactively.

How a Parenting Coordinator Is Appointed

By Agreement of the Parents

Parents may choose to work with a parenting coordinator if both agree. To be enforceable, the agreement must be approved by the court and incorporated into an order or judgment. The agreement will include:

• The coordinator’s qualifications.
• Whether the coordinator has authority to make binding decisions, and if so, the scope.
• The duration of the appointment.
• Compensation and fee allocation.

This approach allows parents to retain input while ensuring that the coordinator’s role is recognized by the court.

By Court Appointment

In certain cases, a court may appoint a parenting coordinator without the parents’ agreement. This generally occurs when:

• Conflict is harming or could harm the children.
• The parenting plan is not being successfully followed.
• Ongoing disputes undermine stability and well-being for the children.

Courts cannot require parents to pay for a coordinator unless both consent, ensuring fairness while protecting children in high-conflict situations.

Duties of a Parenting Coordinator

Permitted Duties

Parenting coordinators help parents manage disputes and make decisions within the parenting plan. They may:

• Assist in resolving day-to-day parenting issues.
• Educate parents on child-focused decision-making.
• Teach communication strategies and co-parenting skills.
• Recommend resources, including therapy or community programs.
• Identify conflict patterns and suggest approaches to reduce tension.

Required Duty

If parents reach an agreement that modifies an existing court order, the coordinator must inform them that the agreement is not enforceable until approved by the court. This ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings.

Limitations

Parenting coordinators cannot:

• Change custody or fundamentally alter parenting time.
• Provide legal advice or representation.
• Act as a therapist.
• Make binding decisions without the parents’ written agreement and court approval.

This ensures coordinators remain focused on practical, child-centered problem-solving.

Qualifications of a Parenting Coordinator

Massachusetts requires coordinators to meet strict professional standards. Coordinators must be licensed attorneys or mental health professionals with relevant experience. Additionally, they complete specialized training in:

• Mediation and conflict resolution.
• Domestic violence awareness.
• Child development and family dynamics.
• Parenting skills and co-parenting challenges.

Coordinators must maintain professional liability insurance and fulfill annual continuing education requirements to remain on the court-approved list. These measures ensure families receive competent and ethical guidance.

Benefits of Parenting Coordination

The primary objective is to minimize the impact of parental conflict on children. Children exposed to repeated disputes can experience anxiety, stress, or feelings of responsibility for resolving conflict. Parenting coordination provides:

• Fewer disputes reaching the court, reducing stress and expense.
• Faster resolution of day-to-day disagreements.
• Improved co-parent communication, even in high-conflict cases.
• Greater consistency and stability in children’s schedules.
• Support for decision-making that prioritizes children’s well-being.

Ultimately, parenting coordination fosters a more stable environment for children while helping parents navigate disagreements constructively.

Turco Legal’s Role as Parenting Coordinators

At Turco Legal, our attorneys are qualified to serve as court-approved parenting coordinators. We combine experience in family law with a focus on the child’s well-being. Our role is neutral: we guide parents through disputes within the framework of the existing parenting plan, ensuring that solutions reflect the best interests of the children.

Key aspects of our approach include:

• Experience in family law: Years of involvement in custody and parenting matters give us insight into the legal and practical challenges families face.
• Neutrality: We do not represent either parent. Our role is to provide guidance and structure so that decisions reflect the best interests of the children.
• Structured process: We establish clear procedures for communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution to reduce confusion or misunderstandings.
• Child-centered focus: Every discussion and recommendation is guided by what will support the children’s well-being.

Whether appointed by agreement or court order, the goal is to reduce conflict, maintain stability, and support effective co-parenting.

Determining Whether Parenting Coordination Is Appropriate

Parenting coordination is not necessary in every case. It may be beneficial when:

• Parents return to court multiple times over the same issues.
• Communication frequently breaks down.
• Minor disagreements escalate quickly.
• Children show signs of stress related to parental conflict.
• Parents seek a more predictable and stable environment for their children.

If these situations resonate, parenting coordination can provide a structured, supportive process for families.

Next Steps

For families considering parenting coordination:

• Understand the process and what to expect.
• Determine whether an appointment by agreement or court order is appropriate.
• Learn the steps involved in working with a parenting coordinator.

Parenting after separation can be challenging, and ongoing disputes may affect children. Parenting coordination offers a framework to manage conflicts, maintain stability, and prioritize children’s needs.

Families can contact Turco Legal for guidance on parenting coordination in Massachusetts and to discuss next steps for their specific situation.