What's New in Texas Family Law
Parenting Coordinators

What is a Parenting Coordinator?
(Texas Family Code 153.601)

A parenting coordinator is an impartial third party appointed by the court to assist parties in resolving issues relating to parenting and other family issues arising from a court order in a suit affecting family-child relations.

Appointment of a Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.605)

The court may, on its own motion or by motion or agreement of the parties, appoint a parenting coordinator to assist the parties in resolving issues relating to parenting or other family issues in the suit. The court may not appoint a parenting coordinator if either party object, unless it finds either that the case is likely to become a high-conflict case or the appointment of a parenting coordinator is in the best in interest of any child in the suit.

Authority of a Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.606)

The court, in its order appointing the parenting coordinator, must specify the authority and limits of the appointed coordinator. The parenting coordinators authority does not go beyond the scope of the following issues:

1. Identifying disputed issues;
2. Reducing misunderstandings;
3. Clarifying priorities;
4. Exploring possibilities for problem solving;
5. Developing methods of collaboration in parenting;
6. Developing a parenting plan; and
7. Complying with the court’s order regarding conservatorship or possession of and access to the child.

Limits on Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.606b)

The parenting coordinator may not determine the following issues:

1. Conservatorship;
2. Support of child;
3. Possession and Access to child;

Parenting Coordinators and Departure from Parenting Plans
(Texas Family Code 153.606c)

The parenting coordinator may not modify any order, judgment or decree of the court. However, they may suggest that the parties agree to minor temporary departures from a parenting plan if they are authorized by the court to do so.

Non-Disclosure and the Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.606(e))

A parenting coordinator may not be compelled to:

1. Produce work product during the appointment as parenting coordinator;
2. Disclose the source of any information;
3. Submit a report into evidence, unless ordered by the court. If ordered by the court the report may only provide an opinion as to if the parenting coordinator is succeeding and should continue; (153.608)
4. Testify in court.

Removal of a Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.607)

A parenting coordinators removal is always at the discretion of the court. A parenting coordinator may only be removed if the parties both agree as to the removal or on motion of a one party showing of good cause for the removal.

Compensation of Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.609)

A court may not appoint a parenting coordinator unless the court finds that the parties have the means to pay the fees of the coordinator. However, the court may appoint an employee of the court, domestic relations office, or a comparable county agency to serve as parenting coordinator if the parties are unable to pay the fees of a parenting coordinator. If the parties are unable to pay the fees of a parenting coordinator and a public employee is not available then the court may appoint a volunteer parenting coordinator. Any fees of a parenting coordinator shall be allocated between the parties as determined by the court. Public fees may not be used to pay a parenting coordinator.

Requirements of a Parenting Coordinator
(Texas Family Code 153.610)

The court shall determine the required qualifications of a parenting coordinator. At minimum a parenting coordinator must:

1. Hold a bachelors degree in counseling, education, family studies, psychology, or social work and complete a parenting coordinator course of at least 16 hours; or
2. Hold a graduate degree in a mental health profession with an emphasis in family and children’s issues.

In addition, a parenting coordinator must complete at least 8 hours of family violence dynamics training provided by a family violence service provider.

Exceptions for the Following Proceedings
(Texas Family Code 153.611)

Subchapter 153 of the Texas Family Code does not apply to a proceeding in a Title IV-D case relating to the determination of parentage or establishment, modification, or enforcement of a child support or medical support obligation.

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