Parenting Coordinator/Decision Maker (PCDM) Arbitration
What Is A Parenting Coordinator?
Following a divorce or entry of a parenting plan, when parents struggle to communicate, a Parenting Coordinator may be appointed by the court to provide parents with guidance in implanting their parenting plan and to help parents make decisions regarding their children. A Parenting Coordinator’s role is to facilitate communication, provide guidance on implementation of the parenting plan, and to assist parents to interpret the existing court orders. A Parenting Coordinator does not have the authority to make decisions. He or she is to assist with problem solving and improve communication between parents.
The goal is to keep parenting disputes out of court and to give parents more control over parenting decisions about their children. In high conflict cases, the court may order the appointment of a Parenting Coordinator or both parents may agree and must sign a Parenting Coordinator Agreement.
What is a Decision Maker?
Decision Makers are appointed by the court only upon the agreement of the parents. Parents must sign a Decision Maker Agreement. Unlike Parenting Coordinators, Decision Makers interpret the existing parenting plan and are authorized to make binding decisions, which are filed in writing with the court. The benefit of having a Decision Maker is that parents can quickly resolve parenting conflicts without hiring a lawyer or going to court. This is another method by which Feingold Horton can help parents avoid the emotion and expense of ongoing court litigation.
Using Arbitration
Arbitration can be used to resolve pre and post-divorce disputes. The intention of the arbitration statute is to provide parents with a tool to resolve disputes involving parenting plans, child support, parenting time, and other matters related to children such as school choice. An Arbitrator can only be appointed by agreement of the parties, and they must sign an Arbitration Agreement. Post-divorce arbitration, including the rules of evidence, can be as formal or informal as the parties choose. The decisions made by court appointed arbitrators are binding. This allows parents to avoid costly litigation while also receiving expedient decisions out of court.
We Will Help You Resolve Your Family Disputes Amicably
Ms. Feingold is highly trained in working with high conflict families in any of these three roles and to help parents who are struggling to work through their disputes in a more amicable setting.