Stop the Conflict. Restore Decision‑Making. Move Forward.

This structured parenting coordination process is designed to stabilize communication quickly and move decisions forward—without endless meetings, repeated arguments, or ongoing dependency on a professional.

Parents are expected to communicate directly, follow a clear process, and use the Parenting Coordinator only when agreement cannot be reached.

Most families see meaningful improvement in communication within the first few months when the structure is followed.

Request a brief intake call to determine whether this process is the right fit.

Call for a Free Suitability Assessment

The Refined Parenting Coordination Method Delivered Remotely Across BC

This parenting coordination process has been developed over more than eighteen years of practice, working with families where communication has broken down and existing parenting arrangements are no longer functioning in a practical way.

It is designed to do two things at the same time: stabilize communication quickly, and reduce the need for ongoing professional involvement over time. This is achieved through a structured, implementation‑focused process that is predictable, efficient, and aligned with how parenting coordination is intended to operate under British Columbia’s Family Law Act.

A Structured Process That Actually Works

In high‑conflict situations, the problem is rarely just disagreement—it is the lack of a workable process for making decisions.

This method introduces a clear structure for:

how issues are raised
how parents consult each other
when the Parenting Coordinator becomes involved
how decisions are ultimately made

Parents are expected to communicate directly and attempt resolution before involving the Parenting Coordinator. This restores functional decision‑making and avoids unnecessary intervention.

The structure is monitored and consistently applied. It is not used to control behaviour, but to reduce confusion, contain escalation, and protect children from ongoing conflict.

Two Ways Parenting Coordination Supports Families

While many families are able to function within a shared decision‑making model once structure is introduced, not all situations are the same. This process is designed to support both:

1. Structured Agreement‑Based Decision‑Making

Most families begin here. Parents are supported through a clear, respectful process to communicate, exchange proposals, and reach their own agreements wherever possible. Over time, this builds practical skills and reduces conflict.

2. Focused Decision‑Making When Agreement Is Not Possible

In some situations, despite structure and support, parents are unable to reach agreement on specific issues. In those circumstances, the process allows for efficient, issue‑specific determinations within the limits of the Parenting Coordinator’s role. These decisions are made using a streamlined, written process to minimize cost and delay.

This ensures that ongoing conflict does not stall decision‑making indefinitely. The goal is not to increase reliance on determinations, but to ensure that children are not left in unresolved conflict where agreement cannot be achieved.

A Process with Clear Limits

This method reflects the direction of the courts in British Columbia: Parenting Coordinators operate within an implementation‑focused role, supporting existing parenting arrangements rather than enforcing behaviour or exercising broad control over parents.

Where structure, coaching, and determinations within that role are not sufficient, the matter appropriately returns to court.

Why This Approach Is Different

This is not an open‑ended or reactive process. It is:

structured from the outset
consistently applied
focused on outcomes, not arguments
designed to reduce long‑term cost and involvement

Most importantly, it recognizes a practical reality: some families can move toward cooperative decision‑making with the right structure.
Others require a more contained, decision‑focused approach on specific issues.

This process is designed to work effectively in both situations.

Two Distinct Stages of Parenting Coordination

The method operates through two clearly separated stages. Maintaining this separation is central to how the process works.

Stage One: Structured Facilitation and Agreement‑Building

Most Parenting Coordination work occurs in this stage.

Here, the Parenting Coordinator works in a facilitative, non‑coercive role, supporting parents in addressing day‑to‑day implementation issues within the framework of their existing parenting order or agreement.

The focus is practical and forward‑looking. Past grievances are not re‑litigated, and participation is actively managed to prevent escalation.

This stage may include:

structured communication and facilitation
clarification of the parenting terms that apply to a specific issue
assistance in formulating and exchanging proposals
support for voluntary, parent‑made agreements

Parents are not compelled to agree. Change is encouraged through structure, predictability, and containment rather than pressure or persuasion.

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Stage Two: Disciplined Implementation Determinations

Only when agreement cannot be reached — and only where authority is expressly granted — does the process move into the determination stage.

In this stage, the Parenting Coordinator acts in a strict, rule‑bound capacity to make limited, written determinations implementing existing parenting arrangements.

Determinations under this method are:

narrow in scope
tied directly to implementation of existing terms
forward‑looking and time‑specific

They are not used to redesign parenting arrangements or substitute for judicial decision‑making. Their purpose is to prevent delay, reduce escalation, and allow children’s routines to continue within the structure already in place.

Clear Boundaries as a Feature, Not a Limitation

A defining feature of this method is disciplined respect for boundaries.

Parenting Coordination is not therapy, counselling, or legal representation. It does not involve investigating past conduct, assigning fault, or revisiting historical disputes.

Where an issue falls outside the Parenting Coordinator’s authority — or where the process becomes unsafe, coercive, or unworkable — the method requires that the matter return to court.

Knowing when not to act is treated as an essential professional obligation.

Working with Complex Family Dynamics

Within the limits of the appointing order or agreement, this method can be adapted to address complex family dynamics, including sustained high conflict, neurodivergence, and child‑specific needs.

Adaptation does not mean expansion of authority. Any adjustment remains grounded in implementation, structure, and clearly defined limits.

Time Horizon and Measure of Success

Parenting Coordination under this method is typically a long‑term process, often extending over 24 months rather than weeks. Most of the work occurs in the first few months to operationalize the structure.

The goal is not ongoing professional involvement. It is the gradual restoration of stability, predictability, and parental capacity so that reliance on the process diminishes over time.

Success is measured not by agreement on every issue, but by reduced escalation, clearer decision‑making pathways, and improved day‑to‑day functioning for children.

An Important Note About Fit

This method is not suitable for every family.

It requires willingness to participate in a structured, neutral process and to work within defined boundaries. Where that willingness is absent, court oversight may be required instead.

Part of the Parenting Coordinator’s role is helping families assess early whether this process is appropriate.

Next Steps

If you are considering Parenting Coordination, a brief conversation can help determine:

whether this method may be appropriate
what authority would be required
what alternatives may exist

Judicial overviews and model appointment language are available on the For the Judge page.

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Connect with Us

Contact Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation in Kelowna for parenting coordination services.

Our Pillars

We guide parents using a clear, skill‑building framework beginning with strategies to stay calm to enable flexible decisions that align with your child's best interests.