What Happens to Determinations When a New Parenting Coordinator Is Appointed?

Apr 20, 2026·By Cori McGuire

Occasionally, parenting coordination continues after a change in Parenting Coordinator. When that happens, parents often ask what becomes of prior Parenting Coordinator Determinations.

At present, to the best of my knowledge, there is no direct British Columbia case law that squarely addresses this question. What follows reflects how parenting coordination is commonly structured and understood in practice, based on the design of the process, the limits of the PC role, and the need for continuity and stability for children. As with all developing areas of family law, this understanding may evolve as the courts provide further guidance.

The short answer is that parenting coordination is designed to be continuous, not to reset each time a new professional is appointed.

Continuity of the Parenting Framework

Parenting coordination operates within an existing parenting framework. That framework typically includes:

• the parenting order

• any written parenting agreements

• prior Parenting Coordinator Determinations that were made within jurisdiction and remain relevant

When a new Parenting Coordinator is appointed, they generally step into this existing structure. Their role is to support the ongoing implementation of the parenting arrangement as it stands, rather than to reopen or reconsider past decisions.

Why Prior Determinations Are Not Re‑Decided

Parenting coordination is not designed as a review or appeal process. Determinations are intended to resolve specific implementation issues at a point in time so that parenting can continue without disruption for the child.

For this reason, a new Parenting Coordinator does not reassess whether a prior Determination was “right” or “wrong,” nor do they re‑decide the same issue simply because a different PC is now involved.Parenting Coordinator Determinations are subject to court oversight. A court may confirm, vary, or decline to give effect to a Determination where it is inconsistent with the governing order, exceeds the Parenting Coordinator’s authority, or otherwise requires judicial intervention.

Allowing repeated reconsideration of earlier Determinations within the PC process would risk reopening settled issues, increasing conflict, and undermining stability for children.

What “Implementing” a Prior Determination Means

Implementing a prior Determination means treating it as part of the existing parenting structure, to the extent that it:

• was made within the scope of the Parenting Coordinator’s authority

• has not been superseded by a later agreement or court order

• continues to have practical relevance

Implementation does not mean enforcement. Parenting Coordinators do not impose sanctions or consequences if a Determination is not followed.

If a Prior Determination Is Not Followed

If a parent does not follow a prior Determination, the Parenting Coordinator may, where appropriate:

• clarify expectations

• assist parents in addressing misunderstandings by discussion or consensus

• help identify whether the issue can realistically be addressed within the parenting coordination process

Parenting coordination is not structured to issue a new Determination simply because a previous one was ignored. There is no concept of a “determination on a determination.”

Where non‑compliance persists or raises concerns beyond implementation, court involvement may be required.

Challenging a Prior Determination

If a parent believes a prior Determination was outside the Parenting Coordinator’s authority, is no longer workable, or should be reconsidered, that concern is typically addressed through legal advice and, if necessary, the court.

Parenting coordination is designed to be forward‑looking and practical, while questions about enforcement, review, or change to the parenting framework remain within the court’s role.

Written by Cori L. McGuire, a Parenting Coordinator since 2008 and a family law lawyer since 1998 in British Columbia. Cori has many other articles on the parenting coordination process including: The Framework of Trust: Why My Professional Boundaries Protect Your Family. Further reading by subject is found in our Resource Library.