A parenting coordinator is a mental health or legal professional appointed by Florida courts to help high-conflict co-parents resolve day-to-day parenting disputes outside of the courtroom. When two parents cannot communicate without conflict and are constantly returning to court over minor disagreements, a parenting coordinator provides a structured, lower-cost alternative for resolving disputes quickly. Attorney Mindi Lasley advises clients on parenting coordinator appointments and proceedings throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County.
What a Parenting Coordinator Does in Florida
Florida Statute 61.125 governs parenting coordination proceedings. A parenting coordinator works with both parents to resolve disputes related to the existing parenting plan without requiring a formal court hearing for every disagreement. Their role includes:
- Facilitating communication between parents who cannot cooperate directly
- Helping parents resolve minor disputes about time-sharing schedules, school decisions, extracurricular activities, and healthcare
- Educating parents about the impact of conflict on their child’s wellbeing
- Monitoring compliance with the existing parenting plan
- Reporting persistent violations or safety concerns to the court
- Making recommendations to the court when disputes cannot be resolved
When Courts Appoint a Parenting Coordinator
A parenting coordinator is typically appointed in Hillsborough County cases when:
| Situation | Why a PC May Be Appointed |
|—|—|
| Repeated returns to court over minor issues | Court wants to reduce litigation over day-to-day disputes |
| High parental conflict affecting the child | PC helps de-escalate and improve communication |
| One parent refuses to cooperate with the plan | PC monitors compliance and reports violations |
| Post-judgment communication breakdown | Former spouses who cannot co-parent without intervention |
| Co-parenting counseling has failed | PC is a more structured enforcement-oriented alternative |
What a Parenting Coordinator Can and Cannot Do
The parenting coordinator‘s authority is defined by Florida law and the appointing court order. Important limits:
- A PC cannot modify the parenting plan — only a court can do that
- A PC can make recommendations to the court on specific disputes
- A PC cannot make binding rulings on major parenting issues without court approval
- Communications with the PC are not confidential — they can be reported to the court
- A PC can report safety concerns to the court or appropriate agencies immediately
How Parenting Coordination Works in Practice
Once appointed, the parenting coordinator schedules sessions with both parents — typically separately or jointly depending on the conflict level. When a dispute arises that the parents cannot resolve:
- Either parent contacts the PC to initiate a dispute resolution session
- The PC meets with the parents — together or separately — to work toward resolution
- If resolved, the agreement is documented and submitted to the court if required
- If unresolved, the PC reports the dispute and recommendations to the judge
This process is significantly faster and less expensive than filing a motion and waiting months for a hearing in Hillsborough County family court.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|—|—|
| Who pays for the parenting coordinator? | Usually both parents share the cost — allocated by the court based on income and ability to pay. |
| Can I refuse a parenting coordinator appointment? | Not if the court orders it. Refusal to participate can result in contempt and adverse outcomes in future custody proceedings. |
| Can the parenting coordinator’s recommendations be challenged? | Yes. Either party can object to a PC recommendation and have the dispute heard by the judge. |
| Does working with a parenting coordinator affect my custody case? | Yes — a PC’s reports and observations can become part of the court record. Cooperative behavior is noted positively; continued conflict is noted negatively. |
| What if the parenting coordinator seems to favor the other parent? | Document your concerns and contact your attorney. There are procedures for requesting a different PC or raising bias concerns with the court. |
| How long does parenting coordination last? | Typically one to two years — but appointments can be extended if the court determines it remains necessary. |
Local Resources for Parenting Coordination in Hillsborough County
| Resource | Description |
|—|—|
| Florida Statute 61.125 | Florida’s parenting coordination statute — roles, authority, and procedures |
| Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court | Hillsborough County family court — parenting coordination appointment procedures |
| Florida Bar — Child Custody Guide | Overview of Florida custody and parenting tools including coordination |
| OurFamilyWizard | Co-parenting communication platform used in conjunction with many PC appointments |
Reduce Conflict, Protect Your Kids, Stay Out of Court
A parenting coordinator is not a punishment — it is a resource that protects your children from being caught in the middle of ongoing conflict. Mindi Lasley, P.A. advises clients on parenting coordination appointments in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County and ensures every client understands how to work effectively within the process. Call us at 813-873-9047 or reach us at our contact page.
About Mindi Lasley, P.A.: Mindi Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa-based family law firm handling all aspects of post-judgment parenting disputes, coordination proceedings, and enforcement in Hillsborough County. The firm helps high-conflict families find workable, child-focused solutions that reduce court involvement and protect each client’s parenting relationship.