Choosing the right parenting coordinator (PC) is an important decision that can significantly impact your co-parenting relationship and your child’s well-being. A PC helps facilitate communication, resolve disputes, and ensure that parenting agreements are followed. Here are ten key tips to help you select the best parenting coordinator for your family’s needs.

1. Understand the Role of a Parenting Coordinator
Before selecting a PC, ensure you fully understand their role. A PC is a neutral third party who assists parents in managing conflicts, clarifying agreements, and improving communication—not a legal advocate or therapist.

2. Look for Proper Credentials
A qualified PC should have relevant experience in family law, mediation, or mental health. Check their education, certifications, and professional background to ensure they have the expertise necessary to handle parenting disputes effectively.

3. Consider Their Experience
Experience matters when dealing with high-conflict co-parenting situations. Look for a PC with a strong track record of working with families in similar circumstances. Ask about their previous cases and success in resolving disputes.

4. Assess Their Conflict Resolution Style
Every PC has a different approach to resolving disputes. Some may take a more facilitative role, while others are more directive. Determine which style aligns best with your situation and co-parenting dynamic.

5. Check for Impartiality
A good PC should remain neutral and not favor one parent over the other. During the selection process, assess whether the PC demonstrates fairness and an ability to handle conflicts without bias.

6. Seek Recommendations and Reviews
Ask family law attorneys, mediators, or other parents for recommendations. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide insight into a PC’s effectiveness and reputation.

7. Evaluate Their Communication Skills
Your PC should be able to communicate clearly, professionally, and with empathy. Effective communication is crucial for managing conflicts and ensuring both parents understand their roles and responsibilities.

8. Understand Their Fees and Payment Structure
PC services come at a cost, and their fees vary depending on experience and location. Get a clear understanding of their pricing, retainer requirements, and payment structure before making a decision.

9. Confirm Their Availability
Some PCs have heavy caseloads and may not be readily available when you need them. Ask about their availability and response times to ensure they can provide timely assistance when issues arise.

10. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with your PC choice. If you have any doubts or feel uneasy about a particular candidate, trust your instincts and continue your search until you find the right fit.

Selecting the right parenting coordinator can make co-parenting smoother and less stressful. By considering these ten factors, you can find a PC who will support your family’s needs and help create a healthier environment for your child.

This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only.

Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work.