Divorce is always a source of emotional and legal distress. Still, it’s particularly challenging when parents share children and harbor contentious feelings toward each other, use conflicting parenting methods, and struggle to communicate and compromise effectively.
The Colorado courts prioritize a child’s best interest in all decisions related to family law, divorce, and child custody, including when appointing a parenting coordinator or decision-maker to assist parents in navigating the terms of their custody agreement. This is a tool used by the court to facilitate smoother co-parenting without the need for further court involvement to resolve disputes.
Not all child custody cases end with an appointed parenting coordinator. This role is appropriate only in cases of high-conflict between parents when circumstances threaten a child’s stability and well-being.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator In Colorado?
Under CRS §-14-10-128.5, Colorado law defines a parenting coordinator as a neutral party who serves as an arbitrator to resolve potential disputes as they arise between divorced or non-married parents who share physical custody and parental responsibility for their children.
Common disputes include disagreements over decision-making for medical care and education, vacations, and schedule changes. A parenting coordinator may also offer guidance and creative solutions to resolve disputes, solve conflicts, and prevent further court involvement.
Is a Decision Maker Different Than a Parenting Coordinator?
A Decision-Maker is similar to a parenting coordinator. In some cases, one party may fulfill both roles. In other circumstances, a judge may appoint a decision maker rather than a parenting coordinator. Decision-makers for co-parents are typically trained mental health professionals or social workers who work with families for long-term conflict resolution.
A decision-maker’s decisions are binding and apply to parenting time, child support in Denver, and other specific disputes unique to the case, as outlined by both parents or the court. A decision maker notes issues, offers solutions, and notifies the court of concerns over a child’s safety and emotional well-being when necessary.
Parenting coordinators and decision-makers in Colorado custody cases cannot override court orders.
Who Decides When Parents Need a Parenting Coordinator or Decision-Maker?
Sometimes the court appoints a parenting coordinator or decision-maker. This occurs when the circumstances of the custody case and divorce hearing indicate to a judge that the family may face communication and compromise problems as they co-parent their children.
In other cases, one or both parents request a neutral coordinator to assist with conflict resolution as they move forward after their divorce and child custody ruling. This is often the choice when one parent feels the other may not willingly abide by the terms of the custody order, or when both parents recognize their difficulties communicating about their children’s needs and co-parenting effectively.
A parent may determine they need a parenting coordinator or decision-maker and petition the court to appoint one to help them resolve future disputes and facilitate smoother interactions and co-parenting decisions as they implement their child custody agreement.
The Goal of an Appointed Parenting Coordinator In Colorado Is to Protect a Child’s Best Interests
The objective of appointing a parenting coordinator or decision-maker for a Colorado child custody case is to ensure that a child has the most stable and secure environment possible, with effective communication and co-parenting without the need for further court disputes. Colorado’s family courts consider continued close contact with both parents to be in a child’s best interests except under specific circumstances.
The role of a parenting coordinator is to help facilitate this goal. Contact our family law attorneys in Denver for a free consultation today.