What it is: a specially trained professional — often a mental-health provider or attorney — appointed to help resolve conflicts between parents, typically after a final parenting plan is entered.
What they do: help mediate day-to-day disagreements (holiday swaps, communication rules, schedule logistics) and educate parents about the parenting plan. If parents cannot agree, the parenting coordinator can make formal recommendations to the court.
When one gets appointed: high-conflict cases where the parents keep returning to court over small things. The coordinator is meant to keep those disputes out of the courtroom.
Watch out for: a parenting coordinator has real influence — their recommendations often become orders. Show up, engage in good faith, and keep communications businesslike.
