In 2006, Colorado lawmakers formalized a process that many
courts had been using for years, that allowed judges to appoint parenting
coordinators in family law cases. Before the law passed, there was no consensus
on the use of domestic relations or parenting decision makers.
Gov. Bill Owens signed a law in 2006 that provides a
framework for professional intervention in family law cases that includes
parenting coordinators, domestic relations decision-makers and arbitrators.
The goal of the law was to help provide resources for
high-conflict cases. There are three levels of assistance that allow courts to
specialize the intervention for each case.
The first level of intervention calls for a parenting
coordinator, who is a trained, neutral party who assists in the resolution of
disputes between the parties concerning parental responsibilities, including
the implementation of court-ordered parenting plans. The coordinator’s work
will include helping the parties create a mutually agreed-upon parenting plan;
developing rules or guidelines that the parents should use when communicating
with one another; suggesting resources the parents can use in those
communications as well as suggesting other parenting resources; helping the
parties identify the sources and causes of conflicts and then helping the
parents find ways to minimize those conflicts.
These parenting coordinators will serve in their roles for a
certain period, but no longer than two years (unless the parties agree to
extend the appointment), and the court will specify how the parties will pay
for the coordinator’s services. These individuals can be an invaluable resource
for both parents during what can be a very difficult time, so you should
consider using them to help you find the right solution for your family.
To read more about parenting coordinators, read
this article.
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