Pippa Colman Family Law has introduced Parenting Coordination, a dispute resolution process that helps separated parents resolve day-to-day parenting disagreements without returning to court.
Parenting Coordination is an internationally recognised, child-focused process that is well established overseas but remains relatively new in Australia.
Senior Associate Hannah McSharer and Associate Tanisha Watts will help parties resolve disputes over issues such as school decisions, medical appointments, holiday arrangements and changeovers, which would otherwise result in repeated court applications, mounting legal costs and ongoing conflict for children.
As Parenting Cooordinators, they will work with both parents, to help resolve day-to-day disagreements, improve communication and support the practical implementation of existing Parenting Plans and Court Orders.
Ms McSharer said Parenting Coordination filled an important gap in the family law system by supporting families after legal proceedings had concluded.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that once Parenting Orders are made, the conflict simply disappears,” she said.
“In reality, that’s often when the real work of co-parenting begins.
“Family law doesn’t end when final orders are made. Parents still need to make hundreds of decisions together as their children grow, and disagreements can quickly arise around schooling, medical care, holiday arrangements or communication.”
Unlike mediation, which is generally used to resolve a specific dispute, Parenting Coordination is an ongoing process that typically supports families over 12 to 18 months.
Parents can engage a Parenting Coordinator by mutual agreement, or one may be appointed by the Court, with the focus remaining firmly on implementing existing parenting arrangements rather than revisiting past disputes.
Ms Watts said the service was designed to reduce the impact of conflict on children by equipping parents with practical skills to navigate future challenges independently.
“Research consistently shows it’s not separation itself that has the greatest impact on children; it’s ongoing exposure to parental conflict,” she said.
“Our role isn’t to determine who is right or wrong or to change Parenting Orders. It’s to help parents communicate more effectively, resolve issues as they arise and build healthier co-parenting relationships that support their children over the long term.
“Ultimately, the goal isn’t to create long-term reliance on a Parenting Coordinator. It’s to give families the confidence and skills to manage future challenges themselves, while reducing the emotional and financial toll that repeated legal disputes can have.”
The firm at Maroochydore began offering Parenting Coordination, across the Sunshine Coast and North Queensland, on Tuesday.
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