In certain child custody cases, it can be difficult for two parents to work together to make decisions for the best interests of their children.
In some cases, one or both parents might be unreasonable. It might be difficult for them to compromise, to see the big picture as it relates to their children or they may get hung up on the principle of the dispute.
In other cases, it might be that both parents are actually fairly reasonable. However, the level of discord from the break-up itself or the court proceedings has rendered it impossible for them to make legal custody decisions with each other any longer. In these cases, sometimes decisions such as where the children will go to school, what kinds of activities in which they will be involved or decisions involving medical care can raise tensions to such a degree that the parties end up in court litigating the matters.
When this happens, the parties can end up spending lots of money on attorneys’ fees. The negative emotions can also enhance to such a level that virtually every decision can end up with negative banter, arguments and this, ultimately, can be a terrible situation for the children who can end up caught in the middle. Judges can also become keenly familiar with the parties due to the repeat visits to their courtroom litigation these types of issues.
In these types of cases, parties ought to at least consider the possibility of a parenting coordinator. A parent coordinator, when appointed, can help resolve legal custody issues. Versus ending up in a courtroom, accruing more attorneys’ fees, the parties can put these matters before a neutral party to help reach a reasonable resolution.
Of course, parenting coordinators generally get paid for their services. It is also true that in many jurisdictions, a parenting coordinator can only be appointed when the parties agree on it because many states do not have statutory authority for them. This includes Missouri and Illinois. However, parties who are caught in a vicious cycle ought to give great thought to the concept of a parenting coordinator.
If you are going through, or have gone through, child custody, but yet you are unable to reach a resolution to legal custody matters, Stange Law Firm, PC can help. We have attorneys in Missouri and Illinois that can help you decide whether a parenting coordinator might be appropriate in your case. You can call us at 1-855-805-0595 or contact our Springfield, Illinois Child Custody Lawyers online today.