Parenting Coordination vs. Family Mediation in Ontario

What Is Parenting Coordination in Ontario?

The Parenting Coordinator’s Role

• An appointed professional who assists parents in implementing existing parenting plans, separation agreements, or court orders.
• Works primarily with high-conflict parents to manage frequent or recurring disputes about parenting logistics.
• Has limited authority to make binding decisions — known as “arbitration within coordination” — when parents cannot agree.

When to Use Parenting Coordination

• After a mediated parenting plan or court order has been finalized and needs consistent follow-through.
• Ideal for resolving ongoing issues such as parenting schedules, extracurricular activities, communication, or decision-making disagreements.
• Aims to prevent future conflicts, promote stability, and help parents communicate more effectively for the benefit of their children.

Parenting Coordination vs. Family Mediation – Key Differences

Feature	Family Mediation	Parenting Coordination
Timing	Before or during separation	After agreement or court order
Goal	Reach agreement	Enforce or clarify existing agreement
Neutral’s Role	Facilitator (non-decision-making)	Facilitator and possible decision-maker
Scope	Broad (custody, finances, property)	Narrow (parenting and communication issues)
Legal Authority	Non-binding unless signed	May include limited binding powers
Duration	Short-term process	Ongoing relationship for several months

How Parenting Coordination and Mediation Work Together

Step 1 — Mediation First

• Parents begin by addressing key separation issues through family mediation.
• The mediator helps create a detailed parenting plan outlining decision-making responsibilities, custody schedules, and financial terms.
• This step lays the groundwork for cooperation and future stability.

Step 2 — Parenting Coordination after Agreement

• Once an agreement or court order is in place, a parenting coordinator may step in to help parents follow it.
• This service assists with day-to-day communication, scheduling conflicts, or clarifying grey areas in the parenting plan.
• It helps prevent disputes from escalating or returning to court.

Benefits of Combining Both Services

• Provides continuity for families — both services emphasize collaboration and problem-solving.
• Reduces emotional stress and minimizes legal costs compared to repeated litigation.
• Supports children’s emotional well-being by maintaining stability, structure, and healthy communication between parents. 

Who Typically Uses Parenting Coordination in Ontario?

• Parents in high-conflict co-parenting situations who struggle to communicate or make joint decisions calmly.
• Families with ongoing communication issues following a separation or divorce, especially when misunderstandings frequently escalate into disputes.
• Parents seeking neutral oversight to help manage parenting responsibilities without returning to the Ontario family court system.
• Individuals with detailed parenting plans who need assistance interpreting or implementing specific terms, such as scheduling or decision-making.

Choosing Between a Parenting Coordinator and Mediator

When to Choose a Mediator

• You’re in the early stages of separation and need to negotiate custody, access, and support arrangements.
• You haven’t yet formalized your parenting plan or separation agreement.
• You prefer a cooperative process to resolve disputes before turning to the court system.

When to Choose a Parenting Coordinator

• You already have a court order or parenting agreement but experience difficulty implementing it consistently.
• You and your co-parent need neutral guidance for recurring issues such as schedules, communication breakdowns, or holiday arrangements.
• You want to avoid returning to court for every minor disagreement.

Professional Qualifications to Look For

• Accreditation under the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM) or a similar recognized organization.
• Comprehensive training in family law, child development, and conflict management.
• Proven experience in handling high-conflict family dynamics and facilitating child-focused solutions.

How Smart Separation Supports Ontario Parents

Comprehensive support: We offer professional family mediation services and can refer parents to qualified parenting coordinators across Ontario for ongoing guidance.

Respectful communication: Our mediators help parents develop healthier communication habits and long-term cooperation strategies.

Province-wide accessibility: We proudly serve families throughout Ontario, including Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, Newmarket, and beyond.

Flexible and transparent: Choose between virtual or in-person sessions, with clear, upfront pricing.

FAQs about Parenting Coordination and Mediation in Ontario

Is a parenting coordinator a type of mediator?

Not exactly. While both roles promote cooperation, a mediator helps parents reach an initial agreement, whereas a parenting coordinator assists in carrying out that agreement and resolving future disputes. Parenting coordinators may also have limited authority to make binding decisions when parents cannot agree.

Can a parenting coordinator make legal decisions?

Yes — but only within specific limits. With both parents’ consent, a parenting coordinator can make minor binding decisions (known as arbitration within coordination) on day-to-day parenting matters such as scheduling or communication issues.

What if one parent refuses to participate in coordination?

Parenting coordination requires mutual participation. If one parent refuses, the coordinator may report non-compliance to the court or the parties may need to seek enforcement through legal channels.

Are parenting coordination sessions confidential?

In most cases, yes — sessions are confidential except when disclosure is required by law, such as in cases of child protection concerns or threats to safety.

How long does parenting coordination usually last?

Typically, parenting coordination arrangements last six months to two years, depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of conflict. Many families find that consistent support during this period helps establish healthier, long-term co-parenting patterns. 

Book a Consultation with Smart Separation

Take the first step toward resolving parenting conflicts peacefully and building a cooperative future for your family. Whether you’re seeking mediation to create a parenting plan or need guidance through parenting coordination, Smart Separation is here to help you find practical, child-focused solutions that last.

Our accredited mediators offer compassionate, professional support — available both virtually and in person — to fit your family’s needs and schedule.