|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You are here ►
State of Vermont Judiciary > Going To Court > Family Division
|
|
Are you looking for something on this site? Type the word or words here and click enter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Family Division
Parent Coordination
|
|
|
 |
|
Information |
Frequently Asked
Questions
|
|---|
 What are Parent Coordinators |
The Parent Coordinators are specially trained experienced professionals under contract with the Court Administrator who provide a specific type of dispute resolution service to high-conflict, income eligible parents on a sliding fee basis.
| | What does Parent Coordination sort out? |
Parent Coordination helps parents work out issues such as: visitation and exchanges, health and safety issues, how decisions will be made for the children, how parents will communicate, etc.
| | What if the parents are not able to come to an agreement? |
The Parent Coordinator may submit a written parenting plan to the Court. It is at the Judge’s discretion to order the recommendations at a hearing and/or a status conference.
· Parent coordination can occur before, during or after a separation or divorce for married or never married parents.
· Parent coordinators are able to slide the fee based upon parents' income.
· Parent coordination's goal is to keep children protected from adult conflict and violence.
| | What is Parent Coordination? |
Parent Coordination gives both parents and children a chance to be heard in a child-focused, non-confidential and non-neutral process. Separated parents meeting individually with the Parent Coordinator are encouraged to resolve the conflicts about their children. The goal of the process is to minimize the children’s exposure to adult conflict and to reduce the risk of danger to all family members. Parent Coordinators also assist parents and children to connect with other resources in the community for help and support.
| | What is the Parent Coordinators and Court's Role? |
The process begins with an Order of Referral from the Family Court Judge. The parents contract with the Parent Coordinator for up to 15 hours of the Parent Coordinator’s time. Time is spent meeting with each parent separately, in home or community visits with the children, and in consultation with counselors, teachers and others involved with the children. The goal of the process is a detailed and documented parenting plan, which is based upon existing Court Orders (including any existing Relief from abuse Orders), suggestions by the parents, and recommendations of the professionals involved with the children. These parenting plans are based upon the needs of the children. If parents are able to reach agreement, they submit the written parenting plan to the Court to be reviewed and ordered by the Judge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|