Frequently Asked Questions

Parenting Coordination is a child‑focused dispute resolution process for separated or divorced parents who experience ongoing conflict in implementing their parenting plan. Instead of returning to court for day‑to‑day parenting disputes, parents work with a neutral Parenting Coordinator (PC) who helps resolve issues in a timely, structured, and cost‑effective way. The goal is to reduce conflict and protect children from being exposed to ongoing parental disputes. There are numerous articles in our Resource Library with further explanations about the role, parallel parenting and keeping children from adult conflict.

Parenting Coordination is appropriate for parents who continue to experience conflict after separation and already have a parenting agreement or court order in place. A PC cannot replace the court but can assist with implementing and clarifying existing arrangements. An agreement or court order appointing the PC and defining their authority is required and a participation agreement with the PC. Take a look at our For the Judge webpage for model orders and submissions.

A Parenting Coordinator assists parents in resolving day‑to‑day parenting disputes arising from the implementation of an existing parenting agreement or court order. The PC may provide education, coaching, facilitation, and mediation to help parents communicate and make decisions effectively.

Where the appointing agreement or court order expressly authorizes it, the PC may also make binding determinations. Any binding determination must strictly interpret, clarify, or implement the existing agreement or order and must remain within the authority delegated to the PC. Parenting Coordinators do not replace the court and do not have independent or inherent decision‑making authority.

Cori L. McGuire has been a family law lawyer since 1998 and a Parenting Coordinator since 2008. She receives ongoing specialized training in family law and high‑conflict dispute resolution. She is accredited by the Law Society of British Columbia as a Parenting Coordinator and is a member and director of the BC Parenting Coordinators Roster Society.

Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation is based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Parenting Coordination services are provided throughout BC, both virtually and in person where appropriate. If British Columbia has jurisdiction, services may be provided to families located outside the province or country.

Parenting Coordination is designed to address non‑compliance early and constructively. The PC will typically begin with education, clarification, and mediation. If non‑compliance continues, process measures may be used, including reapportionment of PC fees where authorized. If all PC interventions are exhausted, the matter may need to return to court.

Parenting Coordination relies on communication processes that allow parents to consult, exchange information, and make decisions in accordance with their existing agreements or court orders. At the outset, a communication agreement sets out clear process expectations regarding scope, format, and timing.

The PC may provide coaching, guidance, or process direction to support effective consultation and implementation. Communications that do not serve consultation or decision‑making may be redirected or disregarded. Where authorized, disproportionate or inappropriate use of the process may result in fee reapportionment.

The Parenting Coordinator’s role is to regulate process in support of implementation, not to control general conduct or police tone for its own sake.

Payment of PC fees is an essential term. If fees are not paid, the process cannot continue. If the retainer  is exhausted, one parent may temporarily fund completion of the determination, with repayment addressed in the decision.

Where a parent disagrees with advice or a non‑binding recommendation, the PC will typically attempt to assist the parents in resolving the disagreement through further clarification or mediation, where jurisdiction exists.

If mediation is unsuccessful and the appointing agreement or court order authorizes it, the PC may make a binding determination to implement or clarify the existing agreement or order. Determinations are issued in writing, clearly identified as binding, and limited to the scope of delegated authority.

Binding determinations may be filed with the court and are enforceable as court orders. Court review remains available in accordance with applicable law.

Parenting Coordination is designed to encourage parents to resolve issues directly whenever possible. Clear communication rules, early clarification, and written guidance are used to minimize unnecessary involvement.

Binding determinations are made only when required and are kept proportionate to the issue being decided. The process is structured to allow timely resolution of discrete issues without the delay and expense of repeated court applications, while ensuring that Parenting Coordination resources are used appropriately

Safety is paramount. Screening for family violence occurs throughout the process. Where concerns exist, the PC adapts the process using measures such as separate sessions (shuttle mediation), enhanced communication controls, and referrals to specialized supports. The process is adjusted as needed to ensure safety.

• PCs do not make protective orders or enforcement determinations

• Serious safety issues may require court intervention

Parenting Coordinators can interview children under the Roster standard participation agreement, but they do not routinely interview children. Children’s views are most often conveyed through independent “Hear the Child” reports, therapists, parenting assessors, or other professionals involved with the family.

In limited circumstances, and only where authorized by the appointing agreement or court order, a PC may meet with a child for the purpose of obtaining the child’s views. Any such meeting is conducted with clear role boundaries, confidentiality limits, and an understanding that the PC is not acting as a therapist, assessor, or advocate for the child.

Concerns should first be raised directly with the Parenting Coordinator using the internal process outlined in the participation agreement. If unresolved, parents may access the BC Parenting Coordinators Roster Society’s consensual dispute resolution process or apply to court for directions or termination of the appointment. Lawyers are regulated by the Law Society of British Columbia, which also accepts written complaints.

A Parenting Coordinator’s authority is limited to what is expressly set out in the appointing agreement or court order and subject to any exclusions contained in that instrument. Within that scope, and where authorized, a PC may make determinations about day‑to‑day parenting issues such as:

• Parenting schedules and exchanges

• Holidays and vacations

• Extracurricular activities and routines

• Communication processes between parents

• Routine health and education matters

• Clarification of special expenses (if authorized)

All determinations must strictly implement, interpret, or clarify the existing agreement or order.

A Parenting Coordinator is not a judge and has no authority to make fundamental changes to a child’s legal or parenting arrangements. Under the Family Law Act Regulation, a PC must not make determinations about:

• Changes to guardianship

• Changes to the allocation of parental responsibilities

• Granting parenting time or contact to someone who does not already have it

• Substantial changes to parenting time or contact

• The relocation of a child

These issues can only be decided by the court or by agreement between the parents.

Parenting Coordination is most effective for families with ongoing conflict who want a structured, child‑focused alternative to repeated court applications. It is typically a longer‑term process that supports parents in developing the skills needed to reduce conflict and focus on their children’s well‑being.

A recommendation is non‑binding guidance provided by the Parenting Coordinator to assist parents in resolving an issue or improving their process. Recommendations may be made at any time and do not have legal force.

A determination is a binding decision that may only be made where the appointing agreement or court order expressly authorizes it. Determinations are issued in writing, clearly identified as binding, and limited to implementing or clarifying existing agreements or orders. Determinations may be filed with the court and enforced as court orders.

A Parenting Coordinator’s authority is delegated by a court order or a family law agreement that appoints the PC and defines the scope of their authority. A participation or service agreement governs the process and fees and can also create decision‑making jurisdiction under Family Law Act Regulation s.6(4)(a)(ix).

A Parenting Coordinator has no inherent authority and may act only within the authority expressly conferred.

Parenting Coordinators do not have independent enforcement powers. They cannot compel compliance, impose penalties, or find a parent in contempt.

Where authorized, a PC may reallocate fees in response to disproportionate or inappropriate use of the process. Persistent non‑compliance, enforcement issues, or the need for coercive remedies must be addressed by the court.

Certain issues are outside the jurisdiction of a Parenting Coordinator and must be addressed by the court, including:

• Family violence requiring protective or enforcement orders

• Contempt or enforcement proceedings

• Fundamental changes to parenting arrangements

• Matters outside the authority set out in the appointing agreement, court order or participation agreement.

Where such issues arise, the PC will direct the parties back to court.

Parenting Coordination is a private dispute resolution process, subject to important limits. Written determinations may be filed with the court and become part of the court record. Information may also be disclosed where required by law or necessary to address safety concerns.

The limits of confidentiality are set out in the appointing agreement, participation agreement, and applicable legislation.

Parenting Coordination is most effective when both parents participate in good faith, focus on their children’s needs, and use the process to resolve issues rather than relitigate past disputes.

The PC cannot “fix” a parenting relationship unilaterally. The process works best when parents take responsibility for communication, follow agreed‑upon processes, and use determinations only as a last resort.