Parenting Coordinator and Decision Maker

Sometimes, even after your divorce or (custody) case is over, disputes may arise between you and your co-parent. Especially when there is not a single parent allocated all decision making authority. But even in the sense where a single party is award 100% decision making ability, there may arise disputes about a decision made. When parents are likely to experience future conflict you may want to involve a parenting coordinator and/or decision-maker.

A parenting coordinator  is defined in Colorado Revised Statute § 14-10-128.5 as a neutral third party who assists in the resolution of disputes between the parties concerning parental responsibilities, including but not limited to the implementation of court-ordered parenting plans. This person is a lot like a mediator, as they are available to help parents get to an agreement.

Decision-maker is defined in CRS §14-10-128.3 as an individual who is given binding authority to resolve disputes between the parties as to the implementation or clarification of existing orders regarding the parties’ children, including but not limited to: (1) disputes concerning parenting time; (2) specific disputed parental decision; and (3) child support. This individual sits in a decision-making role. When the parties can’t agree, the decision-maker makes the final call and files the decision with the court.

Often, a decision-maker acts as a parenting coordinator as well (a “PCDM”), whereby they start by working with the parties to help them reach an agreement and, if an agreement is not possible, ultimately make the final decision.

Gendelman Klimas Edwards offers parent coordinating and decision-making services. Our experienced family law attorneys offer years of experience with high-conflict family law cases and with the courts, and they are incredibly knowledgeable at navigating difficult co-parenting decisions and disputes. Gendelman Klimas Edwards attorneys can assist in resolving your family law dispute efficiently without the need for court involvment through the use of a PCDM.

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that licensed legal paraprofessionals without law degrees will be able to offer client representation in specific situations. This move aims to address the representation gap, particularly in cases involving limited marital assets, parentage, and allocation of parental responsibility (APR). These legal paraprofessionals (LLPs) are authorized to directly assist clients, attend court alongside them, and respond to inquiries from judges. However, their role is restricted from making oral arguments or cross-examining witnesses. By taking this step, the state Supreme Court anticipates enhancing the accessibility and affordability of legal representation.