What is a parenting coordinator in Alberta?

A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional, typically a lawyer or mental health professional with specialized training, who helps high-conflict separated parents resolve day-to-day parenting disputes. The parenting coordinator can make binding decisions on minor parenting issues without the parents needing to return to court.

When is parenting coordination appropriate?

Parenting coordination is most appropriate for parents who have a parenting order in place but continue to experience ongoing conflict over its implementation. It is particularly helpful when disputes are frequent, communication between parents has broken down, or repeated court applications are negatively affecting the children.

Are parenting coordinator decisions binding in Alberta?

Whether a parenting coordinator's decisions are binding depends on the terms of the agreement or court order appointing them. Many parenting coordination agreements give the coordinator the authority to make interim binding decisions on day-to-day parenting disputes, which can later be reviewed by the court if a party objects.

Parenting Coordination Calgary

Navigate co-parenting with less conflict and more clarity

Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP supports parents through high-conflict parenting disputes by offering structured, child-centred coordination that eases communication and promotes lasting cooperation.

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OUR SERVICES

Helping Parents Communicate Better and Reduce Conflict Post-Separation

Separation doesn’t end the need to communicate and make decisions together as parents, and for many, this can lead to ongoing conflict, miscommunication, or difficulty following the parenting plan.

Parenting coordination is a process that assists divorced or separated parents with ongoing decision-making, regardless of whether they have primary or shared responsibilities. Parenting coordination typically commences after parents have received a Parenting Order or have completed a separation agreement. Parents must mutually agree on the parenting coordinator, who is usually a family lawyer or a mental health professional with extensive training in parenting coordination, mediation and arbitration. Once the coordinator has been chosen and an agreement signed, a parenting coordinator will address any immediate issues, either virtually or in person, and help determine issues as they arise over time. The parenting coordinator will first attempt to mediate the issues. Still, if the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the parenting coordinator has the authority to engage in conflict management and issue a binding decision.

Gary Kirk, Wanda Dawson, and Stacey Haskins are experienced and trained mediators, arbitrators, and parenting coordinators. Wanda Dawson also has specialized training in Speaking to Children and Parents through Dr. Lorri Yasenik and Jonathan Graham, LLB (Sydney, Australia).

We are dedicated to supporting parents and families through difficult parenting challenges after separation or divorce, and we take every opportunity to develop and enhance our training and skills in arbitration and mediation as part of the alternative dispute resolution process.

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“I highly recommend Wanda Dawson as she is an excellent lawyer! I have been a client of Wanda’s for over 8 years and have had nothing but positive and successful experiences in a challenging and high-conflict case.”
~LC

How a Parenting Coordinator Assists Parents

The parenting coordinator can assist in many ways, including:

Setting up Communication Protocols to Decrease Conflict

Co-parenting conflict often arises due to communication difficulties. Typical complaints include abusive emails, too many calls/emails, parents who do not respond to calls or emails, and communication through the children. If parents are unable to agree on communication protocols, the parenting coordinator can set detailed, binding rules through arbitration.

Help Interpret Confusing Terms in the Order/Agreement

Often, parents have trouble interpreting certain clauses in their agreements/orders. Using parenting coordination services can help parents determine the meaning or may make an arbitrated, binding decision on the interpretation if agreement cannot be reached.

Assist by Enforcing Terms in the Order/Agreement Which are Being Breached

Parents are often frustrated by breached agreements. A parenting coordinator can direct that consequences be imposed for such behaviour. Often, the consequence includes costs imposed on a parent or extra make-up time.

Help Parents Make Difficult Decisions

Difficult decisions arise often and typically include school choice, activity/sport choices, holiday/special-occasion issues, health concerns, and pickup/drop-off difficulties. As parenting issues arise, a parenting coordinator can quickly mediate them and, if necessary, issue a binding arbitrated decision.

Educate Parents to Co-Parent Without Conflict

The ultimate goal of a parenting coordinator is to assist parents in major decisions without the need for additional legal action, lawyers, or the courts.

WHY WORK WITH US

Why Trust Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP as Your Parenting Coordinators in Calgary

Dedicated to Supporting Calgary Families

At Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP, separated or divorced parents can rely on decades of experience supporting families through high-conflict situations. Specialized training focuses on reducing tension, clarifying expectations, and ensuring that parenting plans are followed in ways that prioritize the child’s well-being.

Trusted Calgary Parenting Coordinators

We bring legal knowledge and conflict-resolution experience to the parenting coordination process. We work with parents to interpret and implement parenting agreements or court orders, helping to clarify expectations, mediate disagreements, and reduce the emotional strain on everyone involved.

Focused on Practical, Child-Centred Solutions

With Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP, parents receive thoughtful, respectful support from professionals committed to long-term, workable solutions for families. Family law lawyers guide the family unit through ongoing disputes to reduce conflict and create a more stable environment for child development.

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RESOURCES

Legal Articles, News & Insights

Explore an extensive collection of resources and articles, carefully curated to provide valuable insights into family law matters. Whether you seek information or guidance on parenting arrangements or other child-related legal matters, our resources are here to help. Browse below to find the answers and support you need.

Parental Conflict – Options For Resolution

Parental conflict can be one of the most emotional facets of family law. As difficult as it may be, parties in a conflict over custody and parenting should aim to resolve their dispute outside of t...

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If you need legal help with co-parenting effectively and would like to consult with one of our parenting coordinators in Calgary, we're here to listen and provide the advice you need.

Call us toll-free at 877-563-5295. If you’re in Calgary, call 403-233-9300 or contact us online to book an appointment with a Calgary parent coordinator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Parenting coordination helps divorced or separated parents navigate the challenges of co-parenting. Typically, this process begins once parents have a signed order in place or have finalized a separation agreement. Both parents must agree on the selection of a parenting coordinator, who is usually a legal or mental health professional with specialized training in parenting coordination, mediation, and arbitration.

After a coordinator is appointed and an agreement is signed, they step in to support parents in managing ongoing parenting issues as they arise. Their first approach is to mediate disputes and guide parents toward practical, cooperative solutions. If an agreement cannot be reached, the parenting coordinator has the authority to make binding decisions to ensure the children's best interests remain the priority.

If the parenting coordination agreement includes arbitration powers, these decisions are binding under the Arbitration Act of Alberta. If desired, a parent may seek to have the court enter the award terms in a court order. The decisions are appealable to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta pursuant to the terms of the Parenting Coordination Agreement and/or the Arbitration Act of Alberta.

If the parties resolve issues by consent, they may enter into a Consent Arbitration Award.

Once parents have a separation agreement or court order, they both decide upon a parenting coordinator. The parties should jointly contact their chosen coordinator and ensure there is adequate time in their schedule to take on the file.
A Parenting Coordination Agreement is signed with the parenting coordinator. Often, the parties will also obtain a Consent Order from the Court that sets out their agreement to engage in parenting coordination. The Parenting Coordination Agreement will include terms giving the coordinator jurisdiction under the Arbitration Act of Alberta to arbitrate issues that cannot be mediated. Every coordinator has their own process, but most parenting coordinators will meet individually with both parents and review any required documents to provide a history of the family and their circumstances. Immediate issues will be canvased, and a plan will be made to address them. Usually, the parents attend a mediation session (in-office or via Zoom) to address these issues and establish other basic protocols. If needed, further discussion and mediation continue by meeting, telephone, or email.
If any issues cannot be resolved in mediation, the parenting coordinator will arbitrate using a process that is as quick and cost-efficient as possible. The decision will be set out in a binding Arbitration Award, which may be put into a court order.
Should other issues arise during the parenting coordination term (2 years is recommended), the concerned parent may contact the coordinator by phone or email. Once again, if the issue cannot be resolved through mediation, it will be submitted to arbitration, and a binding decision will be issued. If parenting decisions arise that require other professional services, such as counselling for the children, the decision will be made by consensus or by arbitration.

If the parties consent in the Parenting Coordination Agreement, the parenting coordinator may speak to the children if necessary. Involving children should always be done with great caution and only if the coordinator has training in speaking with and interviewing children. As another option, a parenting coordinator may arrange counselling for the children and consult with the children’s counsellor when necessary.

Parenting coordinators can often provide immediate attention to parental disputes, whereas proceeding to court usually takes significantly longer to obtain a resolution.
Parenting coordination is designed to be convenient and time-efficient for families. Much of the communication between the coordinator and the parents is by email or telephone, rather than through the preparation and filing of formal court documents, letters, and/or meetings with legal counsel. The arbitration process is often tailored to be much less formal, depending on the issue.
The parenting coordinator becomes familiar with the family and their particular challenges and history. Understanding the family’s unique dynamics results in better-tailored solutions to their issues. It is rare, in the court system, for the same judge or justice to hear a case more than once.
It is typically much less costly to share the cost of a parenting coordinator than to pay two lawyers and court costs.
Most coordinators have specialized training in mediation, arbitration, parenting coordination, interest-based dispute resolution and child psychology.
Parenting coordinators can work with third parties who may have helpful information, such as teachers, family and counsellors.

Yes, Gary Kirk, Nigel Montoute, and Wanda Dawson are experienced and trained mediators, arbitrators and parenting coordinators. Wanda Dawson also has specialized training in Speaking to Children and Parents through Dr. Lorri Yasenik and Jonathan Graham, LLB (Sydney, Australia). They are passionate about helping families through difficult parenting challenges upon separation/divorce and take every opportunity to develop and enhance their training and skills in this important area of practice.