Should You Use a Parenting Coordinator in Your North Carolina Custody Case?
Making effective decisions after divorce can be a challenge for many co-parents. A Parenting Coordinator can help
Co-parenting after separation or divorce is rarely easy. When communication breaks down and conflict escalates, making decisions in the best interest of your child becomes even more difficult. That’s where a Parenting Coordinator in North Carolina can help.
If you're facing ongoing disputes over custody or parenting time, this guide will help you understand how Parenting Coordination in NC works, what the process involves, and how to determine whether it’s the right fit for your family. You’ll also learn how to find a Parenting Coordinator in North Carolina, what qualifications to look for, and how the court appointment process works.
What Is Parenting Coordination in North Carolina?
A Parenting Coordinator (PC) in North Carolina is a neutral professional appointed by the court to help high-conflict parents implement their custody orders and reduce conflict. The PC assists with resolving day-to-day parenting disputes, interpreting custody provisions, and facilitating more effective communication between parents.
Unlike traditional mediation, Parenting Coordination allows the coordinator to make limited decisions—called "decisions within scope"—when the parents cannot agree.
In North Carolina, Parenting Coordination is governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-90 through 50-95 and is used most often in high-conflict custody cases, particularly when ongoing disputes pose a risk to the child’s well-being.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator in NC Actually Do?
Depending on the terms of the court order, a Parenting Coordinator in NC may:
Help parents resolve day-to-day parenting disputes
Interpret and clarify the language in a custody order
Recommend or decide on solutions when allowed by the court
Assist with transitions and exchanges
Facilitate consistent communication protocols
Address scheduling conflicts or missed visits
Support the implementation of safety provisions
Top Benefits of Parenting Coordination in North Carolina
✔ Faster resolutions: No need to return to court for every dispute
✔ Reduced stress: Less conflict means less emotional strain for parents and kids
✔ Consistent support: The PC remains involved over time to support implementation
✔ Child-centered decision-making: The PC keeps the focus on your child’s best interests
✔ Reduced litigation costs: Fewer trips to court mean lower legal fees
Why Choose a Mental Health Professional as Your Parenting Coordinator?
In North Carolina, Parenting Coordinators must be either attorneys or licensed mental health professionals with specialized training. Many families benefit from working with a licensed clinician who understands both the legal framework and the psychological dynamics of high-conflict parenting.
As a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, I bring:
Trauma-informed strategies for de-escalating conflict
Knowledge of child development and parent-child relationships
Skills in emotional regulation and effective communication
A nonjudgmental, structured approach rooted in empathy and accountability
When Should You Consider Parenting Coordination?
The North Carolina courts may appoint a Parenting Coordinator when:
There’s a history of high-conflict or frequent litigation
Parents are unable to implement the terms of a custody order
The child’s well-being is at risk due to ongoing disputes
There are complex dynamics (e.g., mental health concerns, resistance to visitation, safety issues)
How Do You Appoint a Parenting Coordinator in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a Parenting Coordinator can only be appointed by a judge. This can happen after a custody order (not an emergency/ex parte order) or a contempt order has been entered. A judge can appoint a Parenting Coordinator in one of three ways:
The parents agree to use a Parenting Coordinator and define what issues the coordinator can help with.
One parent asks the court to appoint a Parenting Coordinator.
The judge decides on their own that one is needed.
If the parents don’t agree, the judge must explain why the case qualifies for Parenting Coordination. That includes finding that:
The case involves high levels of conflict,
It’s in the best interest of the child, and
The parents can afford the cost of the service.
The appointment order will outline exactly what the Parenting Coordinator can help with, how long the appointment will last, and who will pay. Even with a Parenting Coordinator involved, the judge still makes all major decisions about custody, visitation, and child support.
Parenting Coordinators must come from an approved list kept by the local court. Before being appointed, the Coordinator has to agree they’re available and willing to take the case.
How to Find a Parenting Coordinator in NC
To locate a qualified Parenting Coordinator in North Carolina, check with:
Your local Family Court Administrator
The Parenting Coordinator List maintained by your NC County Courthouse
Referrals from attorneys, guardians ad litem, or therapists
Online directories or private practices specializing in parenting coordination in NC
Pros and Cons of Parenting Coordination
✔ Pros:
Timely resolution of disputes
Cost effective conflict resolution
Less court involvement
Reduced emotional toll on children
Better long-term communication
✘ Cons:
Involves establishing rapport with an additional professional
Not a replacement for legal representation or therapy
Some co-parents may continue to be non-compliant
FAQs
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A neutral professional appointed by the court to help high-conflict parents implement custody orders and reduce court involvement.
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Only licensed mental health professionals and attorneys with specialized training.
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Yes. You may agree on a qualified professional and propose them to the court. If you are unable to come to an agreement, the court can select a Special Master on your behalf.
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Yes, but only within the limits of the court order.
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Check with your county courthouse, or your judicial district’s Family Court Administrator.
