Parenting Coordination: By the Numbers

Section 61.125, Florida Statutes, establishes an alternative form of dispute resolution, known as parenting coordination, for parents attempting to establish or implement a parenting plan.  This process involves a facilitator (referred to as a parenting coordinator) who is usually appointed by a judge to (i) teach techniques in co-parenting and (ii) make recommendations so that the parents are able to better work together in furthering the best interests of their children.  I find that parenting coordination is most often useful in high-conflict child custody situations.

In the most recent edition of Commentator magazine, psychologist Debra K. Carter reveals the results of a study conducted by the Florida Chapter of the Association of Family & Conciliation Court as well as the University of South Florida regarding parenting coordination:

[E]ighty-two percent of Survey respondents use a formal parenting coordination contract with their clients.  Sixty percent charge their clients by the hour with standard fees ranging from $90.00 to $220.00 per hour.  Seventy-eight percent reported that fees were always split 50/50 between the parties.

Approximately fifty percent of respondents in the Survey reported that the average case duration was less than a year and seventeen percent said their cases lasted over two years.  Most [parenting coordinators] met with parents either once or twice per month.  Most parenting coordinators 956%) estimated that between 60 and 80% of their cases had succeeded.

If you have questions regarding parenting coordination as it relates to child custody and you are looking to retain a Tampa Bay child custody lawyer, you can schedule a consultation with The Law Firm of Adam B. Cordover, P.A., by calling us at (813) 443-0615 or filling out our contact form.