Navigating the complexities of divorce can become even more challenging when you and your co-parent find yourselves in constant conflict over matters involving your children. In Colorado Springs, many families turn to parenting coordinators to help resolve custody issues, reduce tension, and rebuild healthier parenting relationships. Our team at Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C. believes that approaching family law from a place of understanding and teamwork makes a difference. Here, we break down everything Colorado parents should know about parenting coordinators, including their authority, costs, benefits, and real-world impact on local families.
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do in Colorado Divorce & Custody Cases?
Parenting coordinators fill a unique role in Colorado divorce cases by addressing frequent disputes that disrupt co-parenting. Appointed by the court or agreed to by parents, coordinators support families in implementing parenting plans and smoothing communication breakdowns. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring compliance with court orders, helping resolve ongoing disagreements, and offering practical guidance to prevent escalations that might bring families back to court unnecessarily.
Unlike mediators, parenting coordinators often remain involved with families over periods of months or years, stepping in to address issues as they emerge—such as holiday schedules, medical decisions, or education-related concerns. Their approach centers on establishing healthier communication habits and fostering more stable environments for children. This ongoing involvement provides consistency that benefits both parents and children, especially when minor conflicts threaten to grow into major disputes.
Colorado law clearly defines what a parenting coordinator can and cannot do. They do not override existing court orders or make substantive changes to custody agreements, but they serve as a neutral third party who documents issues, recommends solutions, and, in some situations, helps communicate concerns to the court. Their intervention can mean fewer contentious court hearings and a focus on solutions that prioritize child well-being. In our experience, families see the biggest impact when all involved parties approach the process with openness and a willingness to work toward compromise.
When Do Colorado Courts Appoint Parenting Coordinators During Divorce or Custody Disputes?
Not all divorcing or separated parents will need a parenting coordinator. Colorado judges most often appoint coordinators in high-conflict cases where prolonged, unresolved issues pose risks to a child’s stability or welfare. Persistent disagreements—such as repeated arguments over pick-up times, constant allegations of parental alienation, or failure to adhere to parenting schedules—can all prompt a court to order coordination, especially when other interventions have not worked.
Some parents choose to request a parenting coordinator as a preventative measure when they anticipate frequent disputes. Others encounter this step after court reviews cycles of filings focused on visitation, discipline, or other daily parenting matters. Courts in Colorado Springs are also sensitive to unique challenges faced by local families, such as those involving military service members or parents with demanding work schedules. These factors can add complexity to shared parenting, making the oversight and guidance of a coordinator especially valuable.
Usually, a judge will act after gathering evidence of ongoing breakdowns in communication, patterns of missed or late exchanges, or repeated complaints from one or both parents. The overall determination always centers on the best interests of the children. If you think your family might benefit from this level of support, seeking guidance early can help avoid further conflict and keep the focus on long-term family well-being.
How Do Parents Select a Parenting Coordinator in Colorado Springs?
The process for selecting a parenting coordinator in Colorado often starts with mutual agreement between parents. When cooperation exists, both parties can jointly interview candidates who are licensed mental health providers, attorneys, or family law professionals. It’s important to choose someone with strong knowledge of Colorado family law and a track record working with families experiencing conflict. Experience with the local court system, especially in El Paso County, can be an asset for handling reports and communication with judges.
If you and your co-parent cannot agree on a coordinator—or if time is pressing—the court will appoint one for you. Before the appointment, you have the right to review the professional’s background, approach, and any experience relevant to your family’s particular needs, such as military life, blended families, or special situations. Most coordinators provide information about their philosophy and prior work so you can make an informed decision about their fit.
After the court or both parents select a coordinator, the order sets out their authority, expected timeline, and the types of issues they will address. Clarify the details of payment, communication expectations, and confidentiality at the outset to prevent misunderstandings later. Our team at Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C. often helps families review these terms and understand how to communicate with a coordinator effectively to ensure smoother collaboration.
What Are the Costs of Parenting Coordinators in Colorado & Who Is Responsible for Payment?
Parenting coordinators in Colorado typically charge an hourly rate that varies depending on professional background, case complexity, and geographic location. Most fees fall between $100 and $300 per hour, but costs can be higher for coordinators with specialized skills or many years in practice. Fees generally cover intake appointments, follow-up meetings, reviewing communication, and providing written recommendations or reports to the court as needed. Because coordination may last a year or longer, families should budget for recurring expenses.
Colorado courts usually require parents to share costs equally, but payment splits can differ. A judge may assign a greater share of fees to one parent if justified by their actions or financial circumstances. Some coordinators in Colorado Springs offer sliding scale fees for families with limited means, and it’s wise to discuss financial agreements upfront. Check whether additional fees apply for emergencies, weekend consultations, or extra documentation to avoid surprises later on.
When you meet with a potential parenting coordinator, ask for a thorough breakdown of billing practices. Consider these questions:
- What is the hourly rate and minimum billing increment?
- Are there retainer requirements or cancellation fees?
- Which services are consistently billed versus occasional charges?
- Do payment plans or financial relief programs exist for qualifying families?
Having clear expectations about costs and responsibilities helps prevent disputes and allows families to focus on the benefits of coordinated support.
What Authority & Limitations Do Parenting Coordinators Have in Colorado Custody Cases?
The powers of a parenting coordinator in Colorado are detailed in state statutes and the specific court order assigning the case. Generally, coordinators can make certain limited decisions when parents hit a stalemate regarding daily logistics of their parenting plan. Common issues within their scope include:
- Clarification of visitation exchange times or methods
- Resolving disputes over extracurricular activities or school involvement
- Guidance on communication rules between parents, including email or phone access
These decisions help families avoid courtroom returns for minor disputes and keep both parties accountable to court orders.
However, significant legal issues—such as changes to custody, physical relocation, or other matters affecting fundamental parental rights—are not within a coordinator’s authority. In those instances, the coordinator must document the problem and refer it back to the judge for resolution. Parenting coordinators are neutral and do not provide therapy or serve as an advocate for either parent. Their primary mission is to ensure that the existing parenting plan is followed and that children remain shielded from adult conflict as much as possible.
Before the process begins, take time to review the court order outlining the coordinator’s authority. If you’re uncertain about what your coordinator can decide, seek clarification from your attorney. At Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we guide parents so they remain informed about their rights and the boundaries of the coordinator’s role—ensuring transparency throughout the entire case.
How Does Parenting Coordination Help High-Conflict & Military Families in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs sees a high volume of military and blended families, many of whom face unique challenges during divorce or custody disputes. Parenting coordinators are frequently appointed in high-conflict situations—where repeated breakdowns in communication, missed hand-offs, or even allegations of parental alienation make cooperation difficult. In these cases, the coordinator actively monitors compliance, mediates issues as they arise, and helps defuse tense situations before they escalate further.
Military families benefit from coordinators familiar with deployments, frequent moves, and the impact of service obligations on parenting plans. Coordinators adapt their oversight to account for transitions—such as developing protocols for remote communication, travel arrangements for visitation, or flexibility around military leave. By bringing consistency and promoting child-centered problem-solving, coordinators help families adjust to unpredictable circumstances while protecting stability for children.
Blended families, those with complicated visitation schedules, or parents recovering from prior conflict also gain critical support through parenting coordination. By proactively suggesting strategies and documenting what works, the coordinator supports each parent in building a stronger co-parenting foundation. At Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we have witnessed that tailored parenting coordination can reduce stress on both parents and children while reinforcing the importance of healthy collaboration, even in complex situations.
The Step-By-Step Process of Working with a Parenting Coordinator in Colorado
When a Colorado court appoints a parenting coordinator, families follow a structured process to maximize productive outcomes. The typical progression includes:
- Appointment: The court enters an order defining the coordinator’s authority, length of service (often one to two years), and any boundaries or reporting requirements.
- Initial Meeting: Parents meet with the coordinator to review existing orders and share concerns. The coordinator explains their role and sets out ground rules for communication and dispute resolution.
- Ongoing Check-Ins: Regular sessions—virtual or in person—allow the coordinator to mediate current disagreements, answer questions, and track progress toward better cooperation. Most coordinators encourage openness and proactive reporting of issues before they spiral.
- Issue Resolution: When possible, the coordinator helps parents reach their own solution. When that fails, the coordinator makes decisions within their authorized range and records any agreements or further referrals to the court.
- Reporting: In some cases, the coordinator prepares summaries for the court, documenting patterns of conflict, compliance, and recommendations for further action if needed.
When families understand and actively participate in this process, they benefit from greater predictability and reduced stress over time. Cooperation is not always easy, but it creates a pathway for long-term stability and healthier co-parenting that lasts beyond the formal coordination period.
What Are the Pros & Cons of Parenting Coordination Compared to Other Options?
Parenting coordinators offer tangible benefits for many Colorado families. Advantages include:
- Faster resolution of day-to-day parenting disputes without going to court
- Structured, ongoing communication support
- Reduced stress and uncertainty for children exposed to adult conflict
- Clear documentation of problem patterns for the court, if necessary
By providing a neutral presence focused on the child’s best interests, coordinators help families shift away from cycles of blame and toward practical solutions. Over time, this can lead to a stronger co-parenting dynamic and less emotional strain on children.
However, parenting coordination has drawbacks. Not all parents are comfortable granting authority to a third party, especially when fears of bias or lingering distrust exist. The financial commitment can be significant, particularly if coordination lasts several years or frequent interventions are needed. In rare circumstances, a coordinator’s involvement may not fully resolve entrenched conflicts, requiring continued court supervision. Additionally, coordinators cannot make major decisions about custody or legal rights—meaning some critical issues still return to court.
When weighing coordination against mediation or litigation, consider your family’s needs. Mediation can be effective when both parents are willing to compromise, while litigation is reserved for significant rights disputes. Our collaborative approach at Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C. helps you understand your legal options and prepare for whichever process supports your family best.
How Are Disputes or Concerns with Parenting Coordinators Addressed in Colorado?
Conflicts with a parenting coordinator are not uncommon and Colorado’s legal system provides options for resolution. When you believe a coordinator has exceeded their authority, failed their duties, or displayed bias, document these concerns clearly. Any formal complaint should be submitted to the court, which reviews all supporting evidence before determining if changes are warranted—such as modifying the coordinator’s scope or appointing someone else.
If a parent feels the working relationship is unworkable, Colorado law allows for filing a motion to remove or replace the coordinator. This approach typically requires providing proof of the problem in writing and sometimes participating in a hearing. Transparency, consistent communication, and retaining all emails or logs related to disputes can be helpful if the issue escalates to court involvement.
Parents are encouraged to resolve concerns directly with the coordinator first whenever possible. At Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C., we help our clients organize records and understand their rights so that legal resources serve, rather than hinder, the best interests of the children. If you encounter challenges, seek legal guidance before taking further steps to protect your family’s continuity and well-being.
Tips for Choosing & Working Effectively with a Parenting Coordinator in Colorado Springs
Selecting the right parenting coordinator increases the likelihood of positive outcomes for your family. When interviewing potential coordinators, consider these points:
- Confirm the coordinator’s licensure and education that fits your family’s specific circumstances (e.g., experience with military, high-conflict, or blended families).
- Ask about their communication style and typical approach to disputes.
- Request references or feedback from families with similar backgrounds, if available.
- Clarify billing practices, confidentiality, and processes for raising concerns or disagreements.
Investing time in these conversations can yield better working relationships and more effective conflict resolution.
Once you engage a coordinator, prioritize consistent participation and transparent communication. Attend scheduled appointments, follow through on agreements, and stay open to feedback. When misunderstandings occur, address them respectfully and quickly, so small issues do not become bigger problems. Coordinators are best equipped to help when both parents demonstrate a willingness to put children’s needs first—regardless of lingering disputes.
Commitment to this approach often leads to lasting change. Track your family’s progress, celebrate improvements, and remain patient during difficult moments. Our father-daughter team at Law Office of Greg Quimby, P.C. draws on decades of combined experience to support Colorado Springs families through every stage of parenting coordination.
If you’re seeking guidance or have questions about your custody rights, contact us at (719) 212-4227 to discuss how we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.