By: Kirsten B. Miniscalco, Esquire
Parenting coordination was previously utilized in custody cases in Pennsylvania until 2013, when it was eliminated by rule due to concerns over the due process rights of parents involved in custody cases. New parenting coordination rules, however, are effective as of March 1, 2019, Pa. R.C.P. 1915.11-1, which aims to revamp the parenting coordination process and protect the due process rights of parents. Generally, the parenting coordination process seeks to resolve custody issues outside of the courthouse, thus minimizing the expenditure of judicial resources on issues that may be more easily resolved through a parenting coordinator. Information exchanges between parties, the coordinator, and third parties such as schools or healthcare providers are a key part of the process.
Upon the entry of a final custody order, the Court may appoint a parenting coordinator or a party may request the appointment of a parenting coordinator, unless there is a history of domestic violence, in cases where there is repeated conflict between the parties which hinders the implementation of the custody order. The presence of an abuse order or the need for safety measures may preclude the appointment of a coordinator. The appointing judge is responsible for the parenting coordinator appointment and defines the scope of the coordinator’s authority.
Parenting coordinators are appointed for a finite term of not more than twelve months, unless the parties agree to extend the appointment. The parenting coordinator’s role is multi-faceted once involved in a case. She must first attempt to facilitate an agreement between the parties on the particular issue at hand. A written agreement between the parties and the coordinator is required before services begin, and parties mutually may agree in writing to submit specific issues to the coordinator.
Absent an agreement, the parenting coordinator will issue a written Summary and Recommendation to the Court regarding a resolution on the issue within two days after hearing from both parties on the issue. The Recommendation will then be reviewed by the Judge, and the parties both have five days to file objections to the Recommendation to request a hearing on the matter. If a party objects, a record hearing may be requested. If no objections are filed, then the Judge may approve the Recommendation in whole or in part, hold a hearing on the issues not approved, or remand the case back to the parenting coordinator for more specific information.
The new parenting coordination rule limits the issues on which a parenting coordinator may recommend resolutions to the court. The parenting coordinator’s authority and parenting coordinator’s scope are limited to related custody issues and do not include major changes such as school selection or financial issues. Some of the issues the parenting coordinator may address include, but are not limited to, places and conditions for custodial transitions between households, temporary variations from the court ordered custody schedule for a special event or particular circumstance, the children’s participation in extracurricular and recreation activities, child care arrangements, disputes over clothing equipment toys, personal possessions, and other day-to-day needs. The coordinator may recommend a temporary variation from the custodial schedule for a special event or particular circumstance. The parenting coordinators are prohibited from addressing, among other issues, changes in legal custody, changes in primary physical custody, changes in the physical custody schedule which reduces or expands a parent’s time with the children, and issues of relocation. Financial issues are excluded except for the allocation of the parenting coordinator’s fees.
Overall, parenting coordination is truly a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process by which trained individuals assist parents in resolving custody disputes in a timely manner. Court ordered services may include anger management, behavioral management, family therapy, or psychological testing, and parenting coordinators are typically mental health professionals or attorneys with a master’s degree or higher. It is anticipated the parenting coordination process will alleviate parties from filing petitions for disagreements that may be more easily and timely addressed with a neutral parenting coordinator. If you have any questions about the use of parenting coordination in your custody matter, or your custody case in general, please contact me at (215)822-7575.
Parenting Coordination
Parenting coordination is a specialized process designed to assist parents in resolving custody disputes and managing the complexities of co-parenting, especially in cases involving repeated or intractable conflict. When parents struggle to communicate or reach agreements on day-to-day issues, a parenting coordinator can step in to help bridge the gap. Typically, parenting coordinators are either licensed attorneys or mental health professionals with extensive experience in family law and child development. Their primary role is to facilitate productive communication, guide decision-making, and help parents focus on their children’s needs.
The parenting coordination process is intended to minimize court involvement by providing a neutral third party who can address ongoing disputes related to the implementation of a custody order. Parenting coordinators assist with a range of issues, such as child care arrangements, custodial transitions between households, and scheduling for extracurricular activities. By working directly with both parties, the parenting coordinator helps reduce the emotional and financial stress that often accompanies custody disputes, while ensuring that the best interests of the child remain the top priority. This approach is particularly valuable in cases involving repeated conflict, as it offers a structured way to resolve disagreements and clarify parental responsibilities without the need for frequent court appearances.
How the New Rule Impacts Pennsylvania Custody Cases
The new parenting coordination rule in Pennsylvania brings significant improvements to the parenting coordination process, making it more effective and transparent for families navigating custody disputes. Under this rule, parenting coordinators are appointed for a limited term of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension if both parties agree. This ensures that the parenting coordination program remains focused and goal-oriented, rather than becoming an open-ended process.
One of the key features of the new rule is the clear definition of the parenting coordinator’s authority. Parenting coordinators are empowered to help resolve minor disputes that arise under an existing custody order, such as temporary changes to the custodial schedule, school issues, and child care arrangements. However, their scope is intentionally limited—they cannot make recommendations or decisions regarding major issues like changes to primary physical custody, legal custody, or other major decisions affecting the child’s well-being. This distinction helps maintain the balance between efficient conflict resolution and the protection of parental rights.
The rule also places a strong emphasis on safety, particularly in situations involving domestic violence or abuse. Parenting coordination is not permitted in cases where it could compromise the safety or well-being of the child or either parent. By setting these boundaries, the rule ensures that the parenting coordination process supports improved communication and cooperation between parents, while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved. Ultimately, the new rule is designed to reduce unnecessary court involvement, streamline the resolution of day-to-day disputes, and promote a healthier co-parenting environment for Pennsylvania families.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. for a Consultation About Child Custody in Pennsylvania Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The Pennsylvania family law attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. represent clients throughout the state, including Newtown, Doylestown, Lansdale, and King of Prussia, PA. We understand how challenging this time can be for you, which is why we will fight hard to protect your interests and the interests of your loved ones throughout the legal process. Call us at 215-822-7575 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Established in 1952 by Irwin S. Rubin, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. boasts over 65 years of experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. Renowned for its commitment to ethical representation, the firm has garnered prestigious accolades, including being named the “Best Law Firm” for its outstanding legal defense work by U.S. News & World Report. Their team of seasoned attorneys, recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, brings unparalleled expertise to a wide range of legal matters, ensuring exceptional representation for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 15, 2025
