350 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 79 PART 3 MAY 2021
The overarching focus of a parenting coordinator’s work is to uphold the
best interests of the children and to encourage and educate each parent to
do the same. The parenting coordinator works with the parties throughout
the process to help minimize and avoid conflict, improve communication
and develop healthy problem-solving skills. When parties are unable to
agree, the parenting coordinator makes a legally binding direction confirmed
in writing. A parent who disagrees with that decision may apply to
the court pursuant to s. 19 of the Family Law Act2 (the “Act”). The application
is similar to an appeal.
WHEN PARENTING COORDINATION IS APPROPRIATE
Parenting coordination works best when parties have reached a parenting
agreement or have a court order in place respecting parenting, but have
ongoing communication issues that hinder their ability to co-parent effectively
post-separation.
TYPICAL SITUATIONS WHERE A PARENTING COORDINATOR CAN ASSIST
Section 15(2) of the Act provides that a “parenting coordinator may assist
only (a) if there is a parenting coordination agreement or order in place,
and (b) for the purpose of implementing an agreement or order respecting
parenting arrangements, contact with a child or other prescribed matters”.
Parenting coordinators can assist parties with a variety of issues arising
from their court order or parenting agreement, including:
• appropriate means of communications between the parties
respecting parenting matters;
• children’s activities;
• children’s exchange locations;
• communication between parents;
• educational decisions (including choice of schools);
• health-related decisions (including psychological intervention);
• holiday schedules;
• scheduling pick-ups and drop-offs;
• transportation responsibilities;
• travel and passport arrangements;
• participation in extracurricular activities; and
• other issues that may be identified by the court or agreed on by the
parties.