What is Parenting Coordination?

Parenting Coordination is a non-confidential, child centered process for divorced and divorcing parents. It is a
form of dispute resolution specially designed for parents experiencing high levels of conflict.  While conflict can be
a normal part of divorce, how well parents manage that conflict affects both the immediate and long-term well
being of their children. Through education, mediation, and case management, the family’s progress is monitored
to ensure that parents are fulfilling their obligations to their child(ren). A Parenting Coordinator is not therapist or
counselor for any members of the family, even if, as is the case with Dr. Lager, they are trained a mental health
professional.  

Parents may be referred to a Parenting Coordinator by their attorneys, a judge, a custody evaluator, or they can  
pursue Parenting Coordination voluntarily. When parenting coordination is court ordered, a court/consent order
specifies the scope of Dr. Lager's role. When parents choose Parenting Coordination voluntarily, Dr. Lager works
with the parents to identify what her role will be in assisting them.

How is a Parenting Coordinator different than a Child Custody Evaluator?

Custody evaluators work while the divorce case is being heard. They are responsible for gathering evidence to
make recommendations to judges. The Parenting Coordinator cannot change the custody status of the child(ren),
make evaluations of the custody situation, or offer recommendations on custody arrangements.  Instead,
Parenting Coordinators put evaluators' recommendations into action, and provide prompt, consistent, and
responsive assistance to parents who cannot resolve issues regarding their children by themselves. Use of a
Parenting Coordinator often drastically reduces the need to go back to court, thus reducing conflict and saving
the parents time and money.

What does a Parenting Coordinator do?

Dr. Lager works directly with the parents to help them communicate more effectively and avoid/reduce conflict
around child-related issues. The goal is to establish and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship, thus
minimizing the impact of the divorce, and the risk factors that divorce creates, on their child(ren)'s post-divorce
adjustment. Dr. Lager mediates issues, working with the parents to create an agreement. When the parents are
unable to agree, Dr. Lager may be given the power to arbitrate (decide) for the parents based on what she
believes is in the best interest of the child(ren). The overall goal is to provide children the opportunity to grow up
in home environment(s) free from the chronic stress that being caught in the middle of parental conflict inevitably
produces.

Regardless of how carefully lawyers may have crafted divorce settlements regarding child custody, problems
frequently arise over issues that may not be adequately or specifically addressed in the parenting plan. Common
examples are vacation plans, medical decisions, curfews, relations with extended family, and extracurricular
activities.  In addition, new issues may arise as children age and mature that were not present at the time that the
parenting plan was created. Working with the parent coordinator can help parents avoid going back to court and
provide a safe setting for dispute resolution.
Jennifer Lager, Psy.D.
6832 Old Dominion Drive,
Suite 200
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 244-9656
Jennifer Lager, Psy.D.
Helping individuals, couples, and families improve relationships, accentuate strengths, and maximize potential