The Parenting Coordination Process to Manage "Mega Conflict"
When traditional mediation fails and court applications become a revolving door, your family needs more than just a listener—it needs a framework. At Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation, we have a unique PC process for "mega-conflict" cases.
Operating under BC's Family Law Act, our process prioritizes the best interests of the child by replacing endless parental disputes with clear, predictable boundaries. Whether your case requires skill-building or firm, concise determinations, we provide the structure necessary to move your family out of the legal crossfire.
A Clearer, Safer Approach to Co-Parenting
Parenting coordination isn't "one size fits all." Effectiveness depends on matching the process to the level of conflict. We offer two distinct paths to ensure the process remains child-focused and legally sound.
Path 1: Supported Consensus (Low to Moderate Conflict)
For parents who can still communicate but need a neutral coach, our Services include:
- Skill-Building — Transitioning from accusations to "proposal-based" communication.
- OFW Coaching — Active monitoring of OurFamilyWizard to ensure respectful exchanges.
The Goal is helping you to develop the habits to eventually manage parenting issues without professional intervention.
Path 2: Boundary-Rich Containment (Very High Conflict)
For cases with entrenched positions or repeated communication breakdowns. When consensus is no longer a realistic goal, the process shifts from "coaching" to "closure."
We provide strict process boundaries including predictable rules that prevent the PC process from being weaponized. We move quickly to written decisions, called "Determinations". This controls fees and stops the unproductive "back-and-forth."
By conflict containment, children are protected, ending the cycle of parental litigation. Rapid Determinations are not punitive; it is a protective boundary for families where traditional dialogue has become a source of harm.
Guiding Families with Expertise and Care Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation
What Parenting Coordination Is — and Is Not
Parenting coordination is:
• A limited, structured process
• Focused on minor, day‑to‑day parenting issues
• Designed to reduce repeated court involvement
Parenting coordination is not:
• Therapy or counselling
• Reunification or alienation treatment
• An enforcement mechanism
When therapeutic or reunification work is required, that work belongs with qualified therapists under court direction, not the parenting coordinator.
Clear Role Limits and Neutrality
The parenting coordinator:
• Does not advocate for either parent
• Does not provide therapy
• Does not enforce compliance or impose court‑style consequences
• Applies the same written process and legal criteria to both parents
Neutrality is maintained through process consistency, not through agreement with outcomes.
Disagreement with decisions — or frustration with the process — does not mean bias.
When Parenting Coordination Can Continue
Parenting coordination can continue only when:
• Required fees are paid in accordance with the participation agreement
• Both parents comply with core process requirements
• Parents engage with the process itself (agreement with outcomes is not required)
When these conditions are not present, responsibility for enforcement and next steps rests with the Court.
Guiding Families with Expertise and Care Cori L. McGuire Law Corporation
How Decisions Are Made
When consensus is not achievable, determinations are:
• Concise and cost‑effective
• Grounded in section 37 of the Family Law Act
• Focused on the child’s:
• Stability
• Physical safety
• Emotional well‑being
The goal is predictable, timely resolution of routine issues — not prolonged process battles.
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The Role of the Court
Parenting coordination operates within defined limits. The Court retains ultimate authority over:
• Enforcement
• Conduct orders
• Counselling or reunification orders
• Any restructuring of parenting arrangements
Parenting coordination complements the Court’s role — it does not replace it.
Learn More
For a deeper explanation of why this refined process exists and how it works in practice, see the articles below.
