PERSPECTIVES ON PARENTING COORDINATION: VIEWS OF PARENTING COORDINATORS, ATTORNEYS, AND JUDICIARY MEMBERS

Because the development of effective parenting coordination depends upon a sound relationship with the court, this study examined attitudes and expectations toward the parenting coordination process held by judiciary members, attorneys, and parenting coordinators. Respondents from the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida reported anonymously on background demographics and prior personal experience with and attitudes toward the process. Overall, respondents reported favorable views toward parenting coordination; analyses also provided initial insights into potential interdisciplinary differences in views among members of the three important constituencies. Results may be helpful in informing training processes, shaping conversations about legislation, and guiding the administration of parenting coordination through court programs. Key Points for the Family Court Community: This article will inform parenting coordination program developers of the expectations and attitudes of judiciary and attorneys toward the parenting coordination process in order to build in safeguards that may enhance the success of the program. This article will inform the development of prospective legislation on parenting coordination so that the outcomes also meet the expectations of the court and legal communities. Readers will be able to identify behaviors of parenting coordinators, attorneys, and judges that may enhance the parenting coordination process. This article will inform parenting coordination trainers of necessary components to be included in their educational programs of the roles and functions of parenting coordinators and the limitations of any statutory or rule provisions, so that the expectations of attorneys and judges are realistic. This article will inform parenting coordinators about the attitudes and possible unrealistic expectations of judges and attorneys in order to anticipate and manage ethical dilemmas in the parenting coordination process. Readers will be able to identify the positive outcomes of parenting coordination perceived by judges, attorneys, and parenting coordinators and to consider improvements to the process.