Parenting Coordinator Serving Vancouver & the Lower Mainland

Parents across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley often reach a point where communication has broken down and decisions about their children become difficult or repetitive.

Cori L. McGuire provides experienced, structured parenting coordination designed not only to resolve disputes, but to stabilize communication and restore functional co‑parenting over time.

With 18 years as a Parenting Coordinator and 28 years as a family law lawyer, Cori works extensively with high‑conflict parenting situations, offering a process that is efficient, neutral, and focused on long‑term results.

All services are provided remotely throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, allowing families to access timely support without travel, delay, or unnecessary cost.

A Structured Approach That Reduces Conflict

This service is built around a clear communication framework that organizes how parents consult, make decisions, and resolve disagreements about parental responsibilities.

Parents are expected to:

• • Communicate directly with each other first
  • Follow a defined consultation and decision‑making process
  • Use the Parenting Coordinator only when agreement cannot be reached

This structure is monitored for compliance and designed to reduce dependency on the Parenting Coordinator, not increase it.

Unlike traditional models where the professional is continuously involved, this process teaches parents how to function independently.

Respectful Coaching, Not Escalation

Where communication breaks down, Cori provides neutral, respectful coaching to bring parents back to the process. The focus is on:

• Clarifying expectations
• Supporting effective communication
• Reducing escalation

This is intentional. Calling out behaviour or assigning blame often increases conflict rather than resolving it. A structured, process‑based approach produces more stable results.

Additional time and cost created by failure to follow the process may be reallocated. This reflects actual work required—it is not a punishment, and there is no enforcement authority beyond a return to court where necessary.

This structured approach is intentionally designed. It reflects a more recent, neuroscience‑informed understanding of how behavioural change actually occurs in high‑conflict parenting situations. Direct criticism, blame, or attempts to control behaviour tend to activate defensiveness and escalation. By contrast, consistent structure, clear expectations, and predictable consequences tied to process—rather than personal fault—support the development of more regulated, goal‑focused decision‑making over time.

The process therefore emphasizes repetition, clarity, and self‑directed problem‑solving within a defined framework. Parents are expected to communicate directly and attempt resolution before involving the Parenting Coordinator. This promotes skill development and reduces long‑term dependency on professional intervention.

This model is also consistent with the direction of the courts in British Columbia. Parenting Coordinators are expected to operate within an implementation‑focused role under the Family Law Act, supporting the operation of existing parenting arrangements rather than exercising ongoing behavioural control or enforcement authority. Where compliance cannot be achieved through structure, coaching, and determinations within that limited role, the matter appropriately returns to court.

Fast Stabilization with Minimal Intervention

When the structure is followed, most families experience improved communication within the first few months. Over time:

• Misunderstandings decrease
• Decisions are made more efficiently
• Conflict becomes more contained

The goal is not ongoing involvement. It is to help parents regain the ability to manage parenting decisions themselves.

When Agreement Cannot Be Reached

On the relatively rare occasions where parents cannot reach agreement, targeted facilitation is provided; and if necessary, a binding determination is made.

Determinations are delivered through a streamlined written process, typically based on email submissions. This reduces cost, avoids delays, and keeps the focus on resolving the issue efficiently. Determinations may be filed and enforced as court orders where appropriate.

Parenting Coordination for Vancouver Families

Cori assists parents experiencing:

• High‑conflict communication
• Disputes over schedules or transitions
• Difficulty implementing parenting agreements
• Repeated misunderstandings
• Emotional escalation around parenting decisions
• Challenges with shared decision‑making

Her role is to bring structure, clarity, and timely resolution while keeping the focus on the children.

Why Vancouver Parents Use Parenting Coordination

Parents across the Lower Mainland turn to parenting coordination to:

• Reduce repeated court involvement
• Improve communication
• Resolve day‑to‑day parenting issues
• Maintain consistency for children

This structured model goes further by helping parents develop lasting communication skills, not just short‑term solutions.

Guided Learning as Part of the Process

Clients receive access to a series of short, focused articles designed to support the process. These materials were created with compassion and care, meant to be read gradually and provide practical guidance to make co‑parenting simpler and more manageable.

Parents who engage with these materials tend to move through the process more efficiently.

Fully Remote Service Across the Lower Mainland

Parenting coordination is conducted remotely, allowing families throughout Vancouver and surrounding areas to access experienced support quickly and efficiently.

In‑person meetings may be arranged where appropriate.

Areas Served

• Vancouver

• North Vancouver & West Vancouver

• Burnaby

• Richmond

• New Westminster

• Surrey & Delta

• Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody

• Langley, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford