Parenting Time Coordination in Birmingham, Michigan
As a dedicated parenting coordinator in Birmingham, MI, Logan brings compassion, experience, and a solutions-focused approach to every case. During what can be a difficult and emotionally charged time, she ensures that the best interests of the child are the highest priority and helps to create and facilitate a peaceful co-parenting environment that allows children to thrive.
Experienced Guidance: Years of experience in divorce and family law and parenting time coordination. Logan is trained as both a parenting time coordinator and mediator and has extensive expertise as a practicing parenting coordinator and mediator in the state of Michigan.
Child-Centered Approach: Always prioritizing the best interests of your children.
Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Michigan family law and parenting coordination best practices.
Mackensen Law provides parenting coordination and other legal services to families in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Ingham, Genesee and other counties throughout Michigan.
Schedule a free consultation with Mackensen Law to get started.
What Is Parenting Coordination?
Parenting coordination is a process where a neutral third party assists parents in implementing and adhering to parenting time agreements. It is particularly beneficial in contentious divorce situations or in situations where parents have frequent disagreements that could negatively impact their children. Parenting coordination is child-centered, with the best interests of the children as the highest priority.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?
A parenting coordinator guides divorced parents through the management of custody arrangements and visitation schedules, teaching them how to navigate the terms of their new business-type relationship, and helps them work through any issues that arise in co-parenting. Some of the ways in which they support parents and families include:
Help parents interpret and implement parenting plans: Ensure that both parents understand and comply with parenting time arrangements.
Facilitate communication and dispute resolution: Work with parents to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts related to parenting schedules, breaks and holidays, extracurricular activities and other parenting time issues.
Provide education and effective co-parenting strategies: Support parents with education in areas such as child development, how parental conflict impacts children and effective co-parenting strategies.
Parenting Time Coordination in Michigan
Under Michigan family law, the courts can appoint a parenting time coordinator to help implement parenting time orders and resolve disputes. There are several additional considerations that guide parenting time coordinators in Michigan, including:
Obtaining ongoing training and maintaining requisite qualifications. Parenting time coordinators are required to retain licensure as attorneys, psychologists, counselors or social workers, and complete training and ongoing professional development.
Prioritizing the best interests of the child. Michigan family law emphasizes that parenting time should be granted according to the best interests of the child. Parenting coordinators have a responsibility to prioritize the children’s well-being in the course of their work in supporting families.
Assessing domestic violence risk. Parenting coordinators are required to assess any history of coercive or violent relationships between co-parents and take appropriate action to ensure safety.
Parenting Coordination Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a parenting coordinator?
A parenting coordinator should be a licensed attorney (can also be a licensed psychologist, counselor or social worker) with a strong family law background, ideally in the state in which the case resides. It can be extremely beneficial to choose an attorney with a background in mediation and one that uses a child-centered approach.
How much does parenting coordination cost?
The cost of parenting coordination varies depending on the complexity of the case. If you are seeking parenting coordination services in Michigan, contact Mackensen Law for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the process and can offer more specifics on pricing for our parenting coordination services.
Can a parenting coordinator change custody?
A parenting coordinator cannot change custody orders which can only be modified by the courts. Parenting coordinators help parents understand and implement custody orders effectively and resolve conflicts with the best interest of the children as the key consideration.
Can a parenting coordinator change the visitation schedule?
Parenting coordinators cannot change court orders including visitation schedules without court approval. If both parents agree, the parenting coordinator can facilitate minor adjustments to the schedule such as changing days or times, but these changes would not be enforceable by the courts.
Contact Mackensen Law
If you have additional questions about parenting time coordination services in Michigan, get in touch with us to get your questions answered or schedule a free consultation.
We are here to support you as you navigate successful co-parenting, advocating for and ensuring your child’s best interests throughout the legal process.