After a divorce or separation, co-parenting can be particularly challenging, especially in high-conflict cases. This is where a parenting coordinator (PC) can step in as a neutral third party to help families move through these conflicts. In Arizona, PCs are governed by the state’s Rule 74, ARFLP, and can be a valuable resource for maintaining stability for children when parents struggle to communicate effectively.
If you’re grappling with persistent co-parenting conflicts and wonder if a PC could be a solution for your family, it could be a smart choice to learn more about what a PC does. Contact The Valley Law Group 24/7 to schedule a consultation.
What a Parenting Coordinator Actually Does and Does Not
A parenting coordinator in Arizona has one primary role – to assist parents in resolving minor disputes, clarifying existing court orders, and implementing parenting plans. Their job is to act as a facilitator or decision-maker, within a defined scope, to reduce conflict and promote the child’s best interests.
What a PC Can Do:
- Help resolve day-to-day disputes, including issues like scheduling conflicts, minor exchanges, or disagreements over extracurriculars.
- Help interpret the language of your current custody order to ensure both parents understand and follow it.
- Make decisions on specific, pre-defined issues that parents are unable to resolve.
- Request information from both parents to make informed recommendations or decisions.
- Recommend other services like family counseling, mediation, or similar support services.
What a PC Cannot Do:
- Dictate which parent has the right to make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, or religious upbringing.
- Substantially change parenting time that was already set by the courts.
- Affect child support or spousal support.
- Affect property division.
In any situation where the child is experiencing imminent risk, a PC may seek temporary orders without notice from the court, as per the emergency procedures outlined in Rule 74. This allows PCs to take quick actions when necessary.
When and How a PC Can Be Appointed in Arizona
The appointment of a PC is generally made by stipulation of both parents after legal decision-making or parenting time orders have been entered. Under Rule 74, courts can’t impose a PC if one or more of the parents object to a parenting coordinator.
The qualifications for a parenting coordinator include the following:
- Licensed attorneys experienced in family law issues, or:
- Behavioral health professionals, such as psychologists or social workers, with experience in child development and family dynamics
Is a PC Right For Your Case? A Quick Checklist
- Do you and the other parent frequently disagree on minor parenting issues?
- Are your children being negatively impacted by ongoing parental conflict?
- Have you already tried other dispute resolution methods (such as mediation) without success?
- Are both parents willing to work with a neutral third party to resolve their disputes?
- Do you need help clarifying and implementing your existing court orders?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, a PC might be a beneficial resource for your family.
How PC Decisions Become Orders and How to Object
When a parenting coordinator makes a decision or a recommendation, they are required to issue a written report to the judge and both parents and their legal teams. The court then files this report. The judge then has a few options: they may adopt it as an order, reject it, or set a hearing to consider the matter further. A PC’s decision is binding if it falls within the authority granted by Rule 74 and is signed by the judge.
If you disagree with a PC’s decisions, you have a brief window in which to object in writing and request a hearing. It is very important to consult with your counsel and act immediately, as Rule 74(j) states you have a 20-day window for filing objections.
Parenting Coordinator Cost in Arizona: Retainers and Fee Allocation
Many families may have concerns about the cost of a parenting coordinator. In Arizona, typical private PCs may charge rates from $150-$300 an hour. Many PCs also require an advance deposit or retainer before they will begin their work. The court order appointing the PC will explicitly allocate fees between both parents, often equally; however, it may also consider their incomes or other factors in making decisions.
Some counties offer limited programs for those in need of financial aid, but availability varies greatly and depends on your location.
If you are hoping to keep your PC costs down, it is recommended that you:
- Create a clear agenda of issues you would like to address before any meetings.
- Consolidate all relevant documents and share them in a single, organized packet rather than in multiple places that might take time to sort through.
- Avoid sending multiple emails or messages; instead, try to address all issues in a single communication.
- Stick to facts relevant to the children and avoid personal attacks or bringing up past grievances.
- Come to the PC with potential solutions and not just complaints.
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Parenting Coordinator
If you and the other parent decide to move forward with a parenting coordinator, a general step-by-step process for requesting one includes:
- Confirming that both of you understand how to best use a PC.
- Researching qualified PCs in your area and reaching out to them about their experiences and fees.
- Preparing a written agreement between both parents that addresses the PC’s scope of authority, their fees, and any terms of their appointment.
- Submitting the proposed order to the PC and the judge.
- Once the judge reviews and signs the order, the PC is now officially appointed.
How to Challenge or Change a Parenting Coordinator
While a PC’s role is to reduce conflict, sometimes disagreements with their decisions or even their appointment may arise. It happens, but there is no need to panic; there are some courses of action you can take.
Object to a Specific Decision
If you disagree with a particular decision made by the PC, you must file a written objection with the court within 20 days of the court receiving the PC’s report. You should ask for a hearing if you want the judge to review the decision.
Discharge or Replace a PC
If you and the other parent agree, you can discharge or replace the PC at any time. If there is no mutual agreement, one parent can file a motion with the court to discharge or replace the PC, but they must be able to demonstrate good cause. A simple disagreement with a PC’s decision is not usually considered a good cause for their removal. Examples of a good cause include the PC exceeding their authority, showing bias, or failing to perform their duties.
Remember: The PC Is Not a Witness
PCs are generally not subject to subpoena or called as witnesses in court proceedings unless they are specifically permitted to do so by the courts. This helps maintain their neutral role and prevents them from becoming embroiled in a contentious litigation.
How PC Decisions Interact With Your Existing Orders
It is important to understand that parenting coordinators are there to implement and clarify your existing court orders, and they can make minor adjustments to parenting time logistics. However, they can’t rewrite your original custody order. Their role is to help you follow the spirit and letter of the existing order and not to create a new one.
A simplified flow of how PC decisions interact with your court orders is:
Dispute > PC report > Court files > Court adopts/rejects/sets hearing
Practical Tips for Working With a PC
In order to make the most of your parenting coordinator’s services and to maximize their efficiency, you and your co-parent should:
- Keep discussions centered on your children’s needs and well-being while avoiding personal attacks or rehashing old arguments.
- Have any relevant documents, such as school schedules, medical records, or previous court orders, readily available.
- Come prepared with potential solutions for the PC to consider, rather than just highlighting existing problems.
- Be clear and to the point in any written communications to save time and reduce misunderstandings.
- Always copy the other parent on all communications, unless otherwise instructed by your PC.
- Adhere to any timelines or deadlines set by the PC.
For additional strategies on co-parenting and custody arrangements, explore our Arizona Child Custody Guide.
When a PC May Not Be Appropriate
Even though parenting coordinators may be beneficial in many high-conflict situations, there are circumstances where their involvement may not be a right fit.
In cases involving active domestic violence or existing protective orders, a PC’s role may be compromised, and that case will most likely need court intervention instead. This also applies to situations involving child abduction or other severe safety concerns. Another example of a situation where a PC is not appropriate might include a severe power imbalance between the parents, which could cause the PC to struggle in finding a fair and equitable solution.
It is a significant decision when you and your co-parent are deciding whether or not to involve a PC. Understanding their role as well as their limitations can help you both make informed decisions that will positively meet your family’s needs. If you’re considering a PC, you should consult with an experienced family law attorney.
Parenting Coordinator FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding parenting coordinators in Arizona.
At The Valley Law Group, we understand that appointing a parenting coordinator is a decision not to be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact your co-parenting relationship and your family’s future. Our skilled family law attorneys are dedicated to helping you determine if a parenting coordinator is the right path for your family and then assisting you through every step of the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you find a peaceful and stable solution.
Sources:
- Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure Rule 74. (n.d.). Parenting coordinator appointment and role. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://govt.westlaw.com/azrules/Document/N5B6783A0581B11E5B216BAD5AFBA928F
- Pima County Superior Court. (n.d.). Parenting Coordination – Conciliation Court. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.sc.pima.gov/services/conciliation-court/parenting-coordination
- Custody X Change. (n.d.). Arizona parenting resources for custody cases. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.custodyxchange.com/locations/usa/arizona/resources.php
- Arizona Supreme Court. (2015). Petition to Amend Rule 74, Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/74/Archive/PCRPRC/R150006.pdf
Ryan Reppucci, Founder/Director of Legal Operations of The Valley Law Group, is recognized as one of Phoenix’s leading family law attorneys. After graduating from Arizona State with the highest honors and inclusion in America’s most prestigious student honor societies, Ryan attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. His career as a law student was decorated with numerous awards, including the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Book Award, nomination for membership in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, as well as Moot Court.