For more than 15 years, New Jersey family court judges have appointed parenting coordinators to assist in resolving child visitation issues in certain cases. These officials often make recommendations that guide judges in their decisions. But until recently, there has been no formal set of rules or guidelines governing their functions. Now, effective September 1, 2023, the state Supreme Court has created a parenting coordinator program and has provided needed clarity about the role and authority of these officials.

First, the new rule states that parenting coordinators “shall not have authority to make recommendations regarding financial issues or modify legal and physical custody.” This means they are not allowed to call for temporary custody changes. In the past, parenting coordinators had caused controversy when they changed custody arrangements and did so without a court hearing. This led to a consensus that they had been given too much authority and were making decisions that should have been made by judges.

Second, under the new rule, when a parenting coordinator recommends an action or arrangement with which a parent disagrees, that parent must file an objection with the court. If the objecting parent does not voice their disagreement, the recommendation becomes binding. The Supreme Court is aiming to stop parents from simply ignoring recommendations they don’t agree with. Now, parents have to either abide by the recommendations or take positive action to oppose them.

The guidelines accompanying the new rule explain who can serve as a parenting coordinator and set forth the training they must have. These officials can be retired judges, active attorneys, mental health professionals or professionals working in alternative or complementary dispute resolution jobs. They must complete a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training covering basic mediation skills, family and child development, high-conflict family situations, domestic violence, the psychology of divorce and related topics.

Overall, New Jersey’s new rule underscores that parenting coordinators are not replacements for judges but that they do have a meaningful role to play and can issue binding recommendations on certain issues under prescribed circumstances. However, parents should consult with an experienced visitation lawyer to fully understand the role of these officials and the extent of their authority in visitation matters.

If you have questions about whether a parenting coordinator might be appropriate in your situation, please reach out to the Martone Law Group, LLC in Haddon Heights. I offer a free initial consultation, which you can schedule by calling 856-432-4587 or contact me online.