Utilizing a Parenting Coordinator in Custody and Parenting Times Disputes: New Jersey Law Update
In custody and parenting time disputes where parties struggle to co-parent and make decisions on a regular basis, the implementation of a Parenting Coordinator can be helpful. A Parenting Coordinator is a neutral individual (usually family law attorney or mental health expert) who is appointed by the Court to assist in implementing the parties’ parenting time plan by facilitating the resolution of day-to-day parenting issues when the parties cannot resolve issues on their own. (See New Jersey Parenting Coordinator Program Information https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/family/parenting-coordinator-program)
Effective September 1, 2023, New Jersey implemented a new court rule and parenting coordinator program guidelines to better define the role of parenting coordinators in custody and parenting time disputes. Of note, are two material changes from the prior Parent Coordinator pilot program, which is that the Parenting Coordinator does not have authority to make recommendations regarding financial issues or modify legal and physical custody. Second, that the Parenting Coordinator’s recommendations become binding unless a party objects by filing a timely motion or order to show cause. These changes were implemented in order to make the Parenting Coordinator’s role more effective.
The new guidelines also make clear the training that is necessary for an individual to act as a Parenting Coordinator by Court appointment. This includes the ability to utilize a Parenting Coordinator where there is a domestic violence restraining order, so long as the Parenting Coordinator has completed additional training on domestic violence components. Parties may elect by consent to retain a Parenting Coordinator privately and those individuals are not required to have the guidelines training and do not need to be on the Court’s roster of approved Parenting Coordinators.
The use of a Parenting Coordinator can reduce court involvement, create a mechanism for timely conflict resolution, utilize child-centric decision-making and afford parties customized solutions. To set up an appointment with family law attorney and trained Parenting Coordinator Georgia Fraser, Esq. please contact our office at 609-223-2099.