BC Parenting Coordination Services
Parenting coordination is a structured, court-recognized process under BC's Family Law Act. It is child-centred, implementation-focused, and grounded in the authority granted by the appointing court order or written agreement. The services described below are provided remotely within the parenting coordination process and are focused on assisting parents with the interpretation and implementation of their existing parenting orders or agreements.
Interpretation and Implementation of Parenting Arrangements
Parenting coordination helps parents understand and apply the terms of their parenting orders or agreements to real-life situations as they arise. This may include support with:
- Day-to-day parenting decisions
- Shared decision-making responsibilities
- Recurring implementation disputes
- Clarification of how existing parenting terms operate in practice
The focus is practical and forward-looking. Parenting coordination does not re-litigate past disputes or redesign parenting arrangements unless within the pre-existing framework with specific authority conferred.
Structured Communication and Process Design
A core function of parenting coordination is creating and managing structured processes to support effective co-parenting where direct communication has become difficult or unworkable. This may include: - Establishing communication guidelines and protocols - Setting expectations for consultation — format, scope, and timing - Managing issue identification and prioritization - Containing repetitive or escalating exchanges Process structures regulate process, not general conduct. They support implementation and decision-making without expanding the parenting coordinator's authority.
Facilitation and Consensus-Building
Parenting coordination prioritizes resolution by consensus wherever possible. The parenting coordinator actively manages discussions to help parents resolve implementation issues through agreement. This may involve:
- Facilitated discussions around defined issues
- Assistance in formulating and exchanging proposals
- Identifying workable options within the existing parenting framework
- Documenting agreements reached by the parents
Agreements reached through this process belong to the parents and are implemented within the limits of the parenting coordinator's authority.
Information, Education, and Parenting Support
Parenting coordination may include non-therapeutic education and guidance to support effective participation in the process. This may involve:
- Providing information relevant to parenting and communication challenges
- Identifying resources to support improved parenting or communication skills
- Supporting parents in understanding children's developmental and practical needs
This support is not counselling or treatment and does not replace therapeutic or legal services.
Collaboration with Professionals
With Mental-Health Professionals
Where authorized, parenting coordination may include collaboration with mental-health professionals for limited, implementation-focused purposes:
- Recommending or facilitating counselling or therapeutic supports to assist with implementation of parenting arrangements
- Coordinating process expectations with counsellors or therapists involved with the family
- Supporting effective participation in parenting coordination alongside therapeutic work
The parenting coordinator does not provide treatment, assessment, or counselling. Any collaboration is transparent and limited to process management and implementation support, unless broader involvement is expressly authorized by court order.
With Children and Third Parties
Where authorized, parenting coordination may include:
- Meeting with or interviewing children to obtain their views, having regard to age, maturity, and circumstances
- Communicating with relevant third parties such as educators, medical professionals, counsellors, or childcare providers
Any such involvement is focused on implementing the parenting arrangements and supporting informed decision-making within the parenting coordination process.
Recommendations and Determinations
The parenting coordinator may issue non-binding recommendations at any time where doing so may assist parents in supporting the children's best interests or improving the functioning of the parenting arrangements. Where parents are unable to reach agreement — and where authority is granted by court order or written agreement — the parenting coordinator may issue limited, written determinations to resolve discrete implementation issues. Determinations implement existing parenting arrangements, are focused and forward-looking, and are used to prevent delay, reduce escalation, and allow children's routines to continue. They do not replace the court's role.
Service Delivery
Parenting coordination services are typically provided over an 24 month term and are delivered through online platforms, telephone, written communication, and meetings as appropriate. Most of the work occurs in the first few months to establish the structure and process. This approach allows parents to participate safely and efficiently without requiring in-person interaction. While based in Kelowna, I provide virtual and in-person Parenting Coordination services for families in Kelowna, Kamloops, Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, and rural communities throughout the province.
Next Steps
A brief consultation can help determine whether parenting coordination is appropriate, what authority would be required, and how the process would operate in your circumstances.