{"id":1795,"date":"2018-03-18T00:00:27","date_gmt":"2018-03-18T00:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fdfamilylaw.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=1795"},"modified":"2023-04-26T17:21:04","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T17:21:04","slug":"parenting-coordinator-qualifications-and-use-fre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fdfamilylaw.com\/parenting-coordinator-qualifications-and-use-fre\/","title":{"rendered":"Parenting Coordinator Qualifications and Use: Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

(This is the first of a two part series about parenting coordinator qualifications, use, and duties)<\/p>\n

What is a Parenting Coordinator?<\/h2>\n

In the state of Maryland, a \u201cparenting coordinator\u201d is defined as \u201can impartial provider of parenting coordination service,\u201d under\u00a0Maryland Rule 9-205.2(b)(1).<\/a><\/p>\n

What is Parenting Coordination?<\/h2>\n

\u201cParenting coordination\u201d refers to a process during, or post divorce, where the parents work with a \u201cparenting coordinator\u201d in the best interests of the child.\u00a0 The intention is to identify and reduce the potential or actual effects of conflict on children of divorce.<\/p>\n

When is a Parenting Coordinator Used?<\/h2>\n

There are a few different ways a parenting coordinator may get involved. For example, particularly in cases wherein the parents are having difficulty in making decisions regarding the child or the children, the parents may jointly agree to using a parenting coordinator to assist in decision making.\u00a0 Alternatively, the court may, on their own motion, appoint a parenting coordinator for the parties.<\/p>\n

Does the Parenting Coordinator Have Special Education Requirements?<\/h2>\n

There are number of qualifications for parenting coordinators.\u00a0 First, a parenting coordinator in the state of Maryland must be at least 21 years of age. \u00a0Additionally, parenting coordinators must hold a bachelors\u2019 degree from an accredited university or college. \u00a0On top of that, they must hold a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, social work, conflict management, negotiation, or a related subject matter area of study.\u00a0 Alternatively, a parenting coordinator can hold a post graduate degree from either medical school or law school.<\/p>\n

Shouldn\u2019t a Parenting Coordinator Have Some Experience as Well?<\/h2>\n

Yes!\u00a0 Parenting coordinators, in addition to education requirements, have experience requirements.\u00a0 In the state of Maryland, parenting coordinators must have at least three years of professional experience related to the tasks involved in parenting coordination after they receive their post graduate degree.\u00a0 Additionally, in areas where a professional license is required to practice, such as law or medicine, the parenting coordinator must have a current license.<\/p>\n

What about Training to be a Parenting Coordinator?<\/h2>\n

In order to be a parenting coordinator, one must participate in at least 20 hours of training in family mediation.\u00a0 In addition, they must attend at least 40 hours of specialty training in relevant topics, such as parenting coordination, conflict coaching, dynamics of high conflict families, developmental stages of children, parenting skills, family violence dynamics, problems solving techniques, as well as understanding the stages and effects of divorce on the parties, including on the children.<\/p>\n

Is Ongoing Training Also Required?<\/h2>\n

Yes.\u00a0 Each year, all parenting coordinators must complete an additional four hours of continuing education at a minimum in one of the topics discussed in the training section of this blog post. \u00a0Continuing education also addresses any recent developments in the area of family law.\u00a0 These continuing education courses require approval by the Administrative Office of the Courts, which maintain a list of the courses approved.<\/p>\n

How are Parenting Coordinators Identified?<\/h2>\n

Once a person has met the qualifications, the rules require they submit an application in the circuit court for the counties where the person seeks potential appointments.\u00a0 If the applicant establishes they do, in fact, meet the qualifications of the rule, the family services coordinator puts the applicant\u2019s name on the list, as well as their qualifications, trainings, years of experience, etc.\u00a0 This is public information, according to the law.<\/p>\n

Can We Decide to Use a Parenting Coordinator by Agreement<\/h2>\n

Agreement and Court Order<\/h2>\n

If the parties agree using a parenting coordinator is in their best interests, as well as the best interests of their child or children, the court can enter an order to that effect.\u00a0 In this circumstance, the parties agree a parenting coordinator will assist the parties in addressing either current, existing conflicts, or future conflicts, regarding the responsibilities of the parties for the child, as well as access to the child or children.\u00a0 The parties jointly request the court order. \u00a0The court will grant the order if they find the parenting coordinator proposed has the required qualifications, as well as the following additional conditions:<\/p>\n