Parenting Coordinator Services
In North Carolina, the court may appoint a “parent coordinator” at any time during a child custody action involving minor children if all the parties consent. The primary role of the parent coordinator is to reduce conflict by identifying disputed issues, reducing misunderstandings, clarifying priorities, exploring compromise, developing methods of collaboration in parenting, and ensuring compliance with the court’s order of custody. In addition, the court may authorize a parent coordinator to determine issues regarding the implementation of the parenting plan that are not specifically governed by the court order when the parties are unable to reach an agreement.
In North Carolina the district court maintains a list of qualified parenting coordinators. To be eligible, the person must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree in psychology, law, social work, counseling, medicine, or a related subject area.
- Have at least five years of related professional experience.
- Hold a current license in the parent coordinator’s area of practice.
- Complete the required training in topics related to the developmental stages of children, the dynamics of high-conflict families, stages and effects of divorce, problem solving techniques, mediation and legal issues.
- To remain eligible, the person must also attend parent coordinator seminars providing continuing education, group discussion, peer review, and support.
Both Kimberly Wallis and Jaime Davis are Certified Parenting Coordinators and can be reached at the Raleigh office of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC at 919-832-8488 or by email at kwallis@gailorwallishunt.com or jdavis@gailorwallishunt.com
