Parenting Coordinators are being utilized more frequently both by the family part bench and bar as the need for alternatives in addressing and resolving custody- and parenting time-related disputes continues to grow. As any practicing family law attorney or family part judge knows all too well, disagreements between litigants continue beyond the final custody and parenting time determination. It is virtually impossible for a court order or divorce decree to provide for a resolution for every circumstance or dispute that may occur in the future. Even the most comprehensive custody and parenting time orders or judgments leave room for continuing conflict and discord. In addition, and perhaps most obviously, issues which litigants face in custody matters change as children enter different stages in life, where a child’s needs and desires change dramatically. The appointment of a Parenting Coordinator can provide an opportunity for litigants to receive input and suggestions from a trained, experienced individual, who would presumably be available to help with last-minute changes or minor issues which arise. While the concept of a Parenting Coordinator is encouraging, it is important for family law attorneys to be very careful in understanding exactly what role a Parenting Coordinator should have in their case and in the actual drafting of an order of appointment.
In 2007, our New Jersey Supreme Court approved the details of a Parenting Coordinator Pilot Program to occur in four vicinages, specifically Bergen, Middlesex, Morris/Sussex, and Union. In the Program Guidelines, a Parenting Coordinator was defined as
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