Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909 and Local Court Rule 13.10, the court may appoint a parenting coordinator when it finds that the coparents failed to adequately cooperate and communicate with regard to issues involving their children, or have been unable to implement a parenting plan or parenting schedule; mediation has not been successful or is inappropriate; or the appointment of a parenting coordinator is in the best interests of the children.
What is a Parenting Coordinator?
A parenting coordinator is an attorney or mental health professional appointed to help resolve conflicts between coparents regarding an existing parenting plan. The parenting coordinator educates, mediates, and makes recommendations to the court and to the parents to reduce conflict and unnecessary stress for the children. The parenting coordinator will work with both parents to attempt to resolve conflicts and, if necessary, will recommend an appropriate resolution to the parents. They will maintain communication between the parties and recommend outside resources as necessary.
Who pays the fees for a Parenting Coordinator?
The parties shall pay the parenting coordinator fees, which may include a retainer fee, as ordered by the court upon consideration of the financial resources of the parties or agreed upon in writing by the parties and the parenting coordinator. If parties cannot afford to pay for a parenting coordinator, the court may appoint a parenting coordinator from the Domestic Relations Division’s approved roster at a reduced fee or pro bono basis.
Who has been approved as a Domestic Relations Parenting Coordinator?
Applications to become an approved Domestic Relations Parenting Coordinator will be accepted twice per year, in February and August.