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

Nov 06, 2025·By Cori McGuire

In my work as a Parenting Coordinator (PC), my primary role is to support parents in resolving disputes together wherever possible. Parenting Coordination is intended to assist with the implementation of existing court orders or agreements through structured problem‑solving, clarification, and facilitation—not to replace the court or to conduct investigations.

In some cases, despite facilitation efforts, an issue reaches the point where I am formally asked—under the authority of the appointing order or agreement—to make a binding decision (a “Determination”). When this occurs, it indicates that the parents remain at an impasse.

At that stage, I often provide a detailed, neutral written analysis before formally commencing the determination phase. This step is intentional and principled. It is not a delay tactic, and it is not evidence‑gathering. Rather, it is a final effort to support informed resolution, transparency, and child‑focused outcomes within the Parenting Coordinator’s mandate.

This document is sometimes referred to as a “Last‑Chance Review.”

1. Supporting the Core PC Mandate: Facilitation Before Determination

A Parenting Coordinator’s role is primarily facilitative. A request for determination reflects that agreement has not yet been reached, but it does not eliminate the obligation to continue supporting resolution up to the point a decision is made.

Final Opportunity for Informed Decision‑Making

By providing a structured explanation of the relevant legal framework, governing agreements or orders, and applicable child‑focused considerations—such as specific provisions of the BC Family Law Act or standardized educational or developmental contexts—I ensure that both parents have access to the same complete and neutral analysis. This material explains how the issue is being approached; it does not assess credibility or gather evidence.

Encouraging Consent Where Possible

Where the governing legal framework or existing orders strongly point toward a particular outcome, the written analysis gives parents one final opportunity to resolve the issue by consent. Resolution by agreement is generally more durable, less adversarial, and less stressful for children than an imposed determination.

2. Reducing Conflict Through Transparency

Receiving a determination that does not align with one parent’s preferred outcome can understandably be difficult. Part of my role is to reduce unnecessary escalation where possible.

Shifting the Focus to Principles Rather Than Positions

Parents are often better able to process an outcome when they can see the legal and structural reasoning behind it, rather than receiving a brief directive without explanation.

Clarifying the Basis of the Decision

Providing the analysis in advance demonstrates that any eventual determination is grounded in the governing orders, agreements, and applicable legal principles—not personal preference. This transparency supports understanding even where disagreement remains.

3. Efficiency and Responsible Use of the Process

This approach also reflects responsible use of time and resources for both parents.

Avoiding Unnecessary Determinations

If parents reach agreement after reviewing the written analysis, they avoid the additional time and cost associated with preparing a formal determination.

Streamlining the Determination if Required

If agreement is not achieved, the content of the Last‑Chance Review typically forms the foundation of the reasoning section of the final determination. This allows the determination to be issued efficiently and within the scope of the authority granted, without duplicating work or expanding the PC’s role.

What It Means If You Receive a Last‑Chance Review

If you receive a detailed written analysis when a determination has been requested, it generally means:

• The relevant legal and contextual analysis has been completed

• You have one final, brief opportunity to resolve the issue by consent prior to the Determination phase

• If agreement is not reached, a determination will follow based on the same framework outlined

My objective is to ensure that every outcome—whether reached by agreement or determination—is grounded in the governing orders or agreements, informed by applicable legal principles, and focused on the child’s security and emotional well‑being.

If you are experiencing ongoing co‑parenting disputes and would like to learn more about Parenting Coordination and whether it may be appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to contact me for further information.

Written by Cori McGuire, a Parenting Coordinator with 28 years of family law experience in British Columbia. Read The Communication Agreement as Coach and other articles in our extensive Resource Library.