Parenting Coordination is a court-ordered, child-focused process for parents who are in ongoing conflict about their children. When a judge or general magistrate identifies a case as high conflict, the parents may be referred to Family Court Services for Parenting Coordination. The goal is to reduce conflict, improve communication, and help parents follow their parenting plan without repeated trips back to court.
Fees set by the court
How a Parenting Coordinator Helps
A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is a neutral, specially trained professional appointed by the court to help parents with day-to-day parenting issues, such as:
- Time-sharing schedules and exchanges
- School-related matters
- Health care and extracurricular activities
- Communication between parents
- Clarifying and carrying out the parenting plan
How Referrals Work
- Both parents contact FCS. Register within 10 business days of your order through the online portal, by email, or by phone at (305) 349-5508.
- Select a Parenting Coordinator. Parents choose from the court’s roster. If they cannot agree, FCS assigns a PC based on location, language needs, availability, and affordability.
- Begin Parenting Coordination. Contact the provider to arrange your first appointment. Follow any deadlines in your court order or referral instructions.
- FCS monitors compliance. Family Court Services tracks progress and reports to the court.
Fees
The court decides how Parenting Coordination fees are shared between the parents. When a parent is found indigent, the court may order Parenting Coordination through Family Court Services at no cost, when available.
Court Authority and Governing Law
Parenting Coordination is governed by Section 61.125, Florida Statutes, effective October 1, 2009.
In Miami-Dade County, the Parenting Coordination process is further guided by Administrative Order 09-15 A2 (Parenting Coordination in Family Law Cases). This Administrative Order establishes the standard Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator, defines the scope of a Parenting Coordinator’s authority, and sets required procedures for court-ordered cases.
For Professionals: Qualifications of Parenting Coordinators
Florida law establishes minimum qualifications for Parenting Coordinators, including required credentials, experience, and specialized training. These requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Professional licensure or certification in a qualifying mental health, legal, medical, or mediation field
- A minimum of three years of post-licensure or post-certification experience
- Florida Supreme Court certified family mediation training
- Specialized Parenting Coordination training as required by statute
- Training in domestic violence and child abuse related to Parenting Coordination
Family Court Services maintains a roster of Parenting Coordinators who meet both statutory requirements and local circuit training standards.
Interested in Becoming a Parenting Coordinator?
Professionals seeking consideration for the 11th Judicial Circuit’s Parenting Coordinator roster must submit a completed Parenting Coordinator Application, a curriculum vitae (CV), and all required supporting documentation, including relevant certifications and proof of training.
All application materials must be submitted electronically to parentingfcsapp@jud11.flcourts.org.