What is a parenting coordinator, and how is that different from a mediator?

A parenting coordinator is a trained neutral who helps parents implement and follow their court order or parenting plan over time, resolving the day-to-day disputes that arise as they raise children in two households. This differs from a mediator in an important way: a mediator helps parties reach an agreement in a defined dispute and then steps away, while a parenting coordinator serves in an ongoing role after a plan is in place, helping parents manage recurring conflicts about schedules, exchanges, activities, and communication. The focus throughout is the children’s wellbeing. For families whose conflict does not end when the divorce is final, a parenting coordinator can provide the continuing structure and neutral guidance that keeps disputes out of court and keeps the parents focused on their children rather than their disagreements.