Is Parenting Coordination Right for your Family?
Benefits of Parenting Coordination
Parents who work with a Parenting Coordinator often experience:
Reduced legal fees from fewer court appearances
Faster resolution of day-to-day parenting disputes
Improved communication with their co-parent
Less stress and anxiety about parenting decisions
Better focus on their children's needs rather than parental conflict
Development of more effective co-parenting strategies
Most importantly, children benefit from reduced conflict between their parents and more consistent implementation of their custody arrangements.
I'm pleased to announce that I have recently been added to the list of approved Parenting Coordinators in Buncombe County and am now accepting appointments as a Parenting Coordinator through the Buncombe County court. This new role allows me to offer additional support to families navigating challenging custody situations.
What is a Parenting Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is a neutral third party appointed by the court to help parents implement and comply with court orders regarding child custody and visitation. As a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, I bring years of experience working with families in crisis to this important role. The PC's primary goal is to help parents minimize conflict and make decisions that serve their children's best interests.
When is Parenting Coordination Appropriate?
Parenting Coordination is particularly valuable in high-conflict custody cases where parents:
Frequently return to court for enforcement or modification of orders
Struggle to communicate effectively about their children
Have difficulty making joint decisions about their children's activities, education, or healthcare
Need assistance implementing their parenting plan or custody schedule
How Does Parenting Coordination Work?
As a Parenting Coordinator, I work with both parents to:
Facilitate communication and reduce conflict
Help resolve disputes about day-to-day parenting decisions
Assist in interpreting and implementing court orders
Teach conflict resolution skills and strategies
Make limited decisions within the scope of the court order appointing me as PC when parents reach an impasse
Unlike mediation, which is typically short-term, Parenting Coordination is an ongoing process that provides consistent support and guidance to families, usually over a period of one or two years.
Getting Started
If you believe Parenting Coordination could benefit your family, there are several ways to pursue this option:
Request a Parenting Coordinator during your custody case
Agree with your co-parent to petition the court for a PC appointment
Discuss the option with your family law attorney
As both a Board Certified Family Law Specialist and Parenting Coordinator, I'm uniquely positioned to understand the legal and practical challenges families face in high-conflict custody situations. I look forward to serving Buncombe County families in this new capacity and to helping parents and children live better, more peaceful lives.
I’m accepting new appointments now.
David M. Hudson
Board Certified Family Law Specialist
About the Author:
David M. Hudson is a NC Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. David enjoys getting to know new clients and learning the particulars of their individual circumstances so that he can better understand what they want and need from him. Maintaining close relationships and regular communication with his clients is key to David’s practice. David collaborates with his clients in goal setting and then works cooperatively with the clients to achieve the goals set.
Disclaimer: All information provided herein is for informational purposes only, and nothing should be taken as legal advice or opinion. All information relates to North Carolina law only. Family law can differ significantly from state to state.