Parenting Coordinators New Role in Divorce Battles Regarding Children

July 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact
Scott Kleiman, Law Firm of Kalis & Kleiman
skleiman@kaliskleiman.com
(954) 791-0477
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Parenting Coordinators New Role in Divorce Battles Regarding Children

Davie, FL - While most divorcing parents (http://www.kaliskleiman.com/Divorce_and_Family_Law) are often very concerned about their children's reactions to their separation and divorce, some divorcing parents fight and use their children as pawns. In the event that there is high-conflict divorce or separation, a new type of mediator called "Parenting Coordinators" may be used to manage and resolve disputes between ex-spouses.

The Florida Legislature created a legal role (http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/61.125) for parenting coordinators in 2009 as part of a law designed to assist parents in resolving their disputes. Parenting coordinators must either be licensed as a Florida mental health professional, psychiatrist or lawyer or be certified as a family law mediator with a master's degree in a mental health field.

A parenting coordinator is a neutral person to whom parents can turn when in dispute on matters relating to the children. The help ensure that parents stick to a written plan that details their roles and responsibilities and prevents them from becoming pawns in their parents disputes.

Parent coordinators may be requested by the parents or assigned by Court Order. The parenting coordinator cannot change the Order of a Court, but they may assist the parents in implementing strategies, consistent with Court Orders. Parenting coordinators often manage on-going issues in child custody, child visitation and child support issues. Other issues parenting Coordinators may assist with include:

   * What can and cannot be said in front of the children
   * How to refer to, or name to call stepparents (by first name, mom, etc.)
   * Vacations and holiday management
   * Issues at school
   * Communications between parents
   * Contact with relatives and roles of grandparents
   * Pick-up times and locations
   * Payment of summer camp or extracurricular activities

Florida has approximately 300 trained parent coordinators. The court shall determine the allocation of fees and costs for parenting coordination between the parties. Cost can go as high as $250 an hour with each parent paying half with a minimum number of sessions ordered by the judge according to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel article.

Parent coordinators have been successful in helping parents communicate and reach amicable agreements in the best interest of them and their children. If you are considering parent coordination or have questions regarding divorce, family law and the probate process, contact KALIS & KLEIMAN at 954-791-0506.

The law firm of Kalis & Kleiman focuses on Commercial and Real Estate Law and Wills, Probate and Trusts. The firm was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Davie, Florida, at 7320 Griffin Road, Suite 109. Attorneys, Neal Kalis, M. Scott Kleiman and Olga Ruiz Baken can be contacted at 954.791.0477. Additional information about the law Firm of Kalis & Kleiman may be obtained from the firm's website at http://www.kaliskleiman.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KALISKLEIMAN.