The "Last Chance" Review: Why I Might Send a Handout Right Before a Decision

In my practice as a Parenting Coordinator (PC), my primary mission is not to make decisions, but to help parents make them—together. However, when an issue reaches a point where I am formally requested to make a binding decision (a "Determination"), it signals high conflict and disagreement.

At this critical juncture, I often deploy a specific strategy: providing a comprehensive, objective, and detailed handout before I issue the final order. This is not a delay tactic; it is a best practice that maximizes resolution, minimizes conflict, and serves the children’s best interests.

Here is why you might receive a "Last Chance" Review handout from me just before a determination.

1. Fulfilling the PC Mandate: The Obligation to Facilitate
 

The role of a PC is first and foremost to facilitate resolution and help parents find common ground. When a matter is sent to me for determination, it means facilitation efforts have stalled.

• Final Educational Step: By providing a detailed analysis of the facts and the law—such as the specific BC Family Law Act factors and provincial curriculum content—I am conducting the final, essential step in education. It ensures both parents have the same complete, neutral information needed to make an informed choice.
• Preventing Imposed Outcomes: If the research clearly demonstrates that one outcome is heavily favoured by the law , it gives parents a final opportunity to accept the inevitable and sign a consent agreement. Resolving a dispute by mutual consent is always superior to an imposed decision.
   

2. Softening the Outcome and Reducing Conflict
 

Receiving an unfavorable determination can understandably lead to frustration and emotional upset. My process is designed to mitigate this conflict and stress.

• Shifting Focus from Person to Principle: It is much less upsetting for a parent to read a detailed, objective analysis of the law and the child's best interests than to simply receive a final, blunt order that goes against their wishes.
• Demonstrating Transparency: By presenting the research before the decision, I show that I have fully considered their perspective, conducted due diligence, and that the determination is based on legal and factual necessity, not personal preference. This helps the parent who may disagree understand the legal rationale driving the outcome.
   

3. Efficiency and Due Diligence
 

This strategy is also the most efficient use of professional time and parent resources.

• Avoiding Unnecessary Work: If the handout leads to an agreement, the parents save the significant time and cost involved in me drafting a formal, lengthy, and legally complex determination document.
• Preparation for the Final Order: If the parents remain at an impasse, the content of the "Last Chance" Review directly becomes the "Findings of Fact" and "Rationale" section of the final written determination. This ensures my research is fully utilized, allowing me to issue the determination quickly and efficiently.
   
   

The Bottom Line
 

If you receive a detailed, educational handout from me when you are expecting a formal determination, it means two things:

1. The research is complete.
2. You have one final, brief opportunity to resolve the issue by consent.
   

My commitment is to ensure that every decision—whether agreed upon or imposed—is rooted in the law, informed by comprehensive facts, and ultimately serves the security and emotional well-being of your child.

If you are facing a difficult co-parenting dispute and need a resolution that prioritizes your child's best interests, please contact me to discuss Parenting Coordination services.