Frequently asked questions

Parenting coordination is a child-centered, dispute-resolution process specifically designed for high-conflict families. It provides a long-term, structured approach to help separated or divorced parents manage and resolve disputes that arise in the day-to-day implementation of their parenting plan. Instead of returning to court every time a conflict occurs, parents work with a neutral, qualified professional known as a Parenting Coordinator (PC). The primary goal is to minimize parental conflict and protect children from the emotional harm of being caught in the middle of their parents' disputes.
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Parents experiencing ongoing conflict over parenting issues after separation can benefit, as it promotes cooperation and focus on children's best interests. An agreement or court order setting out some basics of a parenting plan is required prior to using a PC.  Please contact us by copying your co-parent and we will let you know what, if anything, needs to be added to your order or agreement to enable us to assist your family.

Cori L. McGuire provides guidance to manage high-conflict dynamics, helping parents make collaborative decisions for their children's well-being. Cori has developed a comprehensive PC course delivered verbally and through handouts and custom reports to provide to all clients specific to the challenges they each face.  Education, coaching, referrals, accountability by reporting, mediation, determinations and recommendations are the PC services provided.

Cori L. McGuire is a qualified legal professional of 27 years with specialized training in conflict resolution and family law, ensuring comprehensive support in the parenting coordination process.

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation is located at 106-460 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC, Canada,.  Cori meets with clients over the telephone and by Zoom, using email for written communication.  PC work is often done remotely anywhere in BC.

Parenting coordination is designed to set parties up for success, and often breaches are not intentional. A key aspect of parenting coordination is establishing a communication agreement that outlines clear rules and expectations in advance, minimizing misunderstandings.

If a parent is not following an agreement or court order, the PC will first attempt to mediate the issue and educate the parents on compliance. If needed, the PC may implement restorative measures to rebuild trust, such as reapportionment of PC fees to enforce agreements. In cases where a parent consistently demonstrates a pattern of conduct not in the children's best interests by being unable or unwilling to follow agreements, and all other PC interventions have been exhausted, returning to court may become necessary. Parenting coordination strives to avoid continual court intervention, as it is generally not in the children's best interests.

Our PC work begins with a comprehensive communication agreement that sets clear rules for respectful and effective communication. The PC actively provides coaching on communication techniques, and if necessary, can recommend or require engagement with outside communication therapists. While warnings are given for disrespectful communication, persistent issues may lead to the reapportionment of parenting coordinator fees. If such measures are unsuccessful, the PC may make a determination or recommendation that the parties return to court for further direction.

If a parent is in compliance with the parenting coordination agreement, they may pay the fees on behalf of the non-compliant party, who may then be obligated to reimburse them. The PC has the discretion to refuse to continue working until fees are paid, or to make decisions in the best interest of the child and reapportion fees to encourage compliance. This is a challenging situation, as the PC process is built on well-researched techniques to educate, mediate, and resolve conflict. Please let us know if this is a concern for more discussion.

For a disagreement to be addressed by the PC, it must be significant enough to warrant intervention. Under the terms of the parenting coordination contract, the PC is obligated to mediate the issue if both parties have active retainers.  The PC might not have jurisdiction such as if the parenting arrangement was already decided or if it is a matter excluded by law.  A PC can make a recommendation .  PCs can mediate any issue if both parties agree.  If, after mediation, the parties cannot reach an agreement, the PC can make a determination that is in the best interest of the child. This determination can be filed with the courts and it becomes enforceable as if it were a court order.  

All of our systems are carefully designed to be cost-effective. The standard communication agreement provides a clear framework, encouraging parties to communicate directly and only involve the PC when they genuinely cannot resolve a significant matter themselves. The PC provides a wealth of handouts and information regarding general family law principles and a thorough review of the existing parenting plan, order, or separation agreement to avoid disputes. If there already is an agreement or order, the PC will not have jurisdiction to change a parenting arrangement other than a one time exception in the children's best interests. Before a determination is made, the PC will provide recommendations, emphasizing the importance of considering the cost of PC fees and objectively pursuing a mediated resolution whenever possible.  We can also write a "short form" determination significantly reducing fees by reducing the writing time regarding the facts and analysis sections.  Parties agree that if the determination is disputed, fees will be paid within a week for the longer explanation.

Our primary goals for PC work are to ensure that parents communicate effectively and follow existing orders and agreements, address any gaps or unusual circumstances that arise in a manner consistent with the child's best interests. Parenting coordination educates parents to minimize conflict, not only in their co-parenting relationship but also in other relationships, including professional ones. Progress is closely monitored through detailed reports that are periodically provided alongside account statements, offering transparency and accountability.

Family violence screening is continuous from the outset as the safety of all parties is paramount. If there are concerns about family violence, the PC will adapt the process to ensure safety, including separate sessions called "shuttle mediation", increased communication protocols, and/or recommending specialized support. The mediation process options are thoroughly explained in person and through a series of handouts. When safe, joint Zoom conferences are used to resolve issues to progress from shuttle mediation. A core goal of the PC process is to rebuild trust to the extent that parents can expect respectful communication from their co-parent on parenting issues. 

Generally, children are not directly included in the PC process through direct meetings with the Parenting Coordinator. Instead, their views are primarily expressed through "Hear the Child" Reports, which are conducted by independent professionals, and through their own mental health therapists and reports from third parties. If needed, the PC may consult with the child's therapist or other caregivers to gain insights into the child's perspective and well-being. Occasionally, the PC may meet with children, but always with a clear explanation of the limits of confidentiality and the PC's role as a neutral facilitator, not a lawyer or therapist. Every action taken by the PC must ultimately be in the best interest of the children.

Our PC process includes various resources to address client concerns. We provide handouts explaining how to respond to our interim reports if you disagree with the facts presented and how to communicate concerns directly to the PC first through an internal policy. Additionally, the BC Parenting Coordination Roster Society offers a free consensual dispute resolution program. If necessary, a party can also apply to the court for directions or to terminate the PC's appointment if the other parent or the PC does not agree to do so.  

We are neutral and not an advocate for either party.  Our purpose is to help you develop the skills to co-parent even if your co-parent is challenging.  The model is based on the work of Bill Eddy at the Conflict Institute.  It starts with managing your own emotions, which leads to flexible thinking and managing your own behavior.  Finally, check yourself to ensure you are taking the perspectives of others and have made your proposals to ensure you are acting with your child's needs first and foremost.  Conflict harms children and my goal is to apply a system of basic rules to keep you focused on the business of raising emotionally healthy children.

A Parenting Coordinator is an experienced legal or mental health professional who is specially trained in mediation and high-conflict family dynamics. They perform a range of functions to help parents move from conflict to collaboration. Their roles include:

• Educator and Coach: The PC provides guidance on effective communication, co-parenting strategies, and the developmental needs of children. They help parents learn to manage their emotional responses and understand the impact of their actions on their children's well-being.
• Mediator and Arbitrator: The PC works to help parents reach a consensual resolution on specific issues. If an agreement cannot be reached through consensus, the PC, if authorized by the parents' contract or court order, can make a binding decision (arbitration) to resolve the dispute.
• Case Manager: The PC monitors parental behavior to ensure compliance with the existing pnting plan and court orders. This ongoing support helps parents stay accountable and avoids the need for repeated, costly court appearances.

A PC's authority is specifically defined in the agreement signed by the parents or in a court order. Within that scope, a PC can make decisions on a variety of day-to-day issues, including:

• Adjustments to Parenting Time: This includes clarifying ambiguities in the existing schedule, adjusting times for exchanges, and making minor changes for holidays, vacations, or temporary variations.
• Child-Rearing Issues: PCs can make determinations on topics such as extracurricular activities, school choice, tutoring, discipline, haircuts, and screen time.
• Healthcare Decisions: This covers routine medical, dental, orthodontic, and vision care. The PC can also recommend or direct parents to pursue psychological testing or other mental health services for the children or parents.
• Special Expenses: If specifically granted in the contract, a PC can decide if an expense qualifies as a "special expense" under the existing child support order or agreement, which assists in the enforcement of payment.
• Parental Communication: The PC can provide directives on how parents should communicate with each other regarding the children.

It is important to understand that a Parenting Coordinator is not a judge and cannot make fundamental changes to legal arrangements. A PC is explicitly prohibited from making decisions on the following matters:

• Guardianship and Custody: They cannot change legal or physical custody from one parent to the other.
• Substantial Modifications: The PC cannot significantly alter the parenting plan or contact schedule. For example, they cannot change a 50/50 arrangement to a 70/30 arrangement.
  Child Support: They cannot modify or create a new child support obligation.
• Division of Property: This includes the division of assets, debts, or family property.
• Legal Advice: The PC does not provide legal advice. Parents are encouraged to consult with their own lawyers for legal matters.

Parenting coordination is most effective for families who have a history of high conflict, distrust, and difficulty communicating. It is usually engaged after a final parenting agreement or court order is already in place. It is a long-term process, providing consistent support over an extended period (typically one to two years). It is an excellent alternative to litigation for parents who want to resolve disputes in a more cost and time-efficient way, while learning the skills needed to co-parent peacefully for the benefit of their children.