BC Parenting Coordination Services

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.

Parenting Coordination is a structured, court‑recognized process. It is child‑centred, implementation‑focused, and grounded in the authority granted by the appointing court order or written agreement.

Interpretation and Implementation of Parenting Arrangements

Parenting Coordination assists parents in understanding and applying 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 specific authority is conferred.

Structured Communication and Process Design

A core function of Parenting Coordination is the creation and management of 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 are designed to support implementation and decision‑making. They regulate process, not general conduct.

Facilitation and Consensus‑Building

Parenting Coordination prioritizes resolution by consensus wherever possible.

The Parenting Coordinator actively manages discussions to assist parents in resolving 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 Mental‑Health Professionals

Where authorized, Parenting Coordination may include collaboration with mental‑health professionals for limited, implementation‑focused purposes.

This may include:

• recommending or facilitating counselling or therapeutic supports to assist with implementation of the 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
• does not request or review therapeutic records
  does not receive diagnostic or treatment information

Any collaboration is transparent and limited to process‑management and implementation support, unless broader involvement is expressly authorized by court order.

Collaboration 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 involved with the children, 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 Referrals

The Parenting Coordinator may issue non‑binding recommendations at any time where doing so may assist the parents in supporting the children’s best interests or improving the functioning of the parenting arrangements.

The Parenting Coordinator may also recommend  counselling or other professional supports where necessary to assist with implementation.

Determinations

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
• may include process‑based decisions necessary to support implementation
• are focused, forward‑looking, and issue‑specific

Determinations do not replace the court’s role and are used to prevent delay, reduce escalation, and allow children’s routines to continue.

Service Delivery

Our Parenting Coordination services are typically provided over an extended 24 month term and are delivered through secure online platforms, telephone, written communication, and meetings as appropriate.

This structure allows parents to participate safely and efficiently, without requiring in‑person interaction.

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.

Schedule a confidential consultation.