Parenting Coordinator Support for High-Conflict Custody Cases in Wake County, NC
High-conflict child custody cases can leave parents feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. When disagreements become constant and communication breaks down, a parenting coordinator in North Carolina can provide the support your family needs.
At Charles R. Ullman & Associates, our experienced family law attorneys understand that parents can face many challenges during the parenting coordinator process. We provide skilled legal guidance to help you work effectively with a court-appointed parenting coordinator and protect your parental rights throughout this journey.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more about our family law services.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator in North Carolina?
A parenting coordinator in NC is a neutral professional who helps parents in high-conflict custody situations make day-to-day decisions about their children. These professionals can be licensed attorneys or mental health professionals with advanced degrees and extensive training in family dynamics, child development, and conflict resolution.
North Carolina law allows judges to appoint parenting coordinators when parents struggle to communicate or cooperate after a custody order has been established. The coordinator works with both parents to reduce conflict, clarify custody terms, and help families make decisions that serve the children’s best interests.
Unlike a judge, a parenting coordinator focuses on the practical, everyday issues that often cause disputes between parents. They can make binding decisions about specific matters outlined in the court order that appoints them.
When and Why a Parenting Coordinator May Be Appointed
A Wake County judge may appoint a court-appointed parenting coordinator when parents exhibit ongoing conflict that impairs their ability to co-parent effectively. Examples of signs of conflict include:
- Excessive litigation over minor issues
- An inability to discuss their children’s needs without arguments
- Verbal abuse or threats
- Difficulty cooperating
A judge can appoint a parenting coordinator after entering a custody order. The court must determine that the case involves high conflict, that both parents can afford the coordinator’s fees, and that the appointment serves the best interests of the child.
Sometimes parents agree to work with a parenting coordinator, but a judge can also order arrangements even if one or both parents object. The goal is to reduce the stress and expense of constant court battles while helping children maintain healthy relationships with both parents.
Common Issues Parenting Coordinators Help Resolve
Parenting coordinators handle many of the day-to-day co-parenting disputes that would otherwise require court hearings. The professionals can make decisions about:
- Adjustments to pickup and drop-off times or locations
- Transportation between homes
- Holiday and vacation planning
- Phone and video contact with each parent
- Childcare arrangements
- Education matters
- Healthcare decisions
- Extracurricular programs, sports teams, or after-school activities
The coordinator cannot change the custody order itself or determine which parent has primary custody. However, they can clarify confusing terms within the order and help parents understand their responsibilities under the existing arrangement.
Benefits of Having Parenting Coordinator Support
Working with a parenting coordinator can reduce the emotional and financial toll of co-parenting disputes. Instead of waiting months for a court hearing, parents can get quick decisions on pressing issues. The faster resolution helps children avoid prolonged conflict between their parents.
The process typically costs less than repeated court appearances. While parenting coordinators charge hourly fees (typically $200 to $350 per hour in Wake County), the costs are often lower than the legal fees parents would pay for multiple court battles over minor disputes.
Children also benefit when their parents can resolve disagreements without constant court involvement. They experience less stress, see their parents communicate more effectively, and can focus on their own growth and development rather than being caught up in adult conflicts.
Parents who work with parenting coordinators often learn better communication skills over time. They discover how to discuss their children’s needs without letting past anger interfere with present decisions.
The Role of a Family Law Attorney During the Parenting Coordinator Process
Even with a parenting coordinator in place, you need strong legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you in several important ways throughout the parenting coordinator process.
Our attorneys can review the order appointing the coordinator to make sure you understand the coordinator’s authority and your obligations. We can also help you prepare for meetings with the parenting coordinator by organizing information and developing clear explanations of your concerns.
If the coordinator makes a decision you believe is unfair or outside their authority, our attorneys can file a motion for judicial review. You must follow the parenting coordinator’s decision until a judge reviews it, but having legal counsel means you can challenge decisions through the proper channels.
Our family law attorneys can also help if the other parent refuses to pay their share of coordinator fees or fails to comply with the coordinator’s decisions. We can file appropriate motions to address such issues and protect your rights as outlined in the court order.
How Our Wake County Family Law Firm Can Help
At Charles R. Ullman & Associates, we have over 25 years of experience in family law. In fact, our firm focuses exclusively on family law matters. Attorney Charles Ullman is certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Family Law Specialist — a distinction held by fewer than 300 attorneys in the state when he earned this certification. His specialized knowledge helps us provide sophisticated legal guidance during the parenting coordinator process.
When you work with our law firm, we will explain the parenting coordination process, prepare you for coordinator meetings, and take appropriate legal action when needed. We can also advise you on whether requesting or opposing a parenting coordinator appointment makes sense in your specific situation.
Contact Our North Carolina Family Law Attorneys Today
If you are facing co-parenting disputes or considering whether a parenting coordinator might help your family, our experienced team is here to answer your questions. We serve families throughout Wake County, including Raleigh and Cary, with skilled legal representation in all family law matters.
Among our many positive client testimonials, David Solow says: “Not only were they professional and sharp in every legal detail, but they also approached my case with compassion and grace. It never felt like I was just another client. My well being and future genuinely mattered to them.”
Call Charles R. Ullman & Associates or contact us online to discuss your custody concerns and explore your legal options. Our small, focused practice means you will receive personalized attention and dedicated service throughout the parenting coordinator process and beyond.
About Charles R. Ullman & Associates
Charles Ullman & Associates provides you respected, experienced and knowledgeable divorce and family law attorneys. You can trust us to help you through the legal process efficiently and effectively so you can transition to the next phase of your life. Our community involvement reaches beyond charitable support of important causes. We launched our own movement in Fraternities4Family and provide scholarships to able students in need.
