How and When parenting Coordinator Intervenes

A Guide for Parents in High‑Conflict Situations (Nova Scotia)

Parenting Coordination (PC) is a child‑focused process designed to reduce conflict, support cooperation, and help parents follow their Parenting Plan. The Parenting Coordinator works with both parents to resolve day‑to‑day issues and, when necessary, make narrow, issue‑specific decisions called situational determinations. This handout explains how and when the PC becomes involved.

1. Day‑to‑Day Involvement

The Parenting Coordinator does not monitor every message or act as a referee for all communication. Instead, the PC intervenes when a concern is raised through the agreed‑upon process.

How parents request help

• Parents must first attempt to resolve issues directly using OurFamilyWizard (OFW).
• If they cannot resolve the issue,  either parent may contact the PC through OFW or as outlined in the PC      Agreement.
• The PC reviews the concern and determines the appropriate level of involvement.

Typical day‑to‑day interventions

• Clarifying misunderstandings about the Parenting Plan or schedule
• Coaching parents on communication tone and expectations
• Redirecting inappropriate or unproductive communication
• Helping parents problem‑solve logistics (pickups, transitions, school events)
• Ensuring important child‑related information is shared appropriately
• Reducing escalation by guiding parents back to child‑focused communication

These interventions are light‑touch, practical, and aimed at preventing conflict from growing.

2. Mediation‑First Approach

Before making any decision, the PC must give both parents an opportunity to be heard and attempt to help them reach agreement.

What this usually includes

• Reviewing OFW messages, calendar entries, and relevant documents
• Gathering each parent’s perspective (in writing or brief calls)
• Facilitating discussion or mediation
• Providing education about co‑parenting,  communication, and child needs

Only when reasonable efforts to reach agreement have been made, and the issue remains unresolved, does the PC move to 

a determination.

3. When the PC Makes a Determination

A situational determination is a narrow, practical decision the PC is authorized to make under the PC Agreement and Nova Scotia’s Parenting Coordination Guidelines.

A determination may be made when

• The issue is within the PC’s  scope
• The parents cannot agree after reasonable effort
• The matter is time‑sensitive or affects the child’s well‑being
• A clear, practical decision is  needed to move forward

Common determination topics

• Exchange times or locations
• Makeup parenting time
• Holiday or vacation scheduling disputes
• Extracurricular participation
• Travel logistics
• Minor school or medical issues
• Communication protocols

How determinations are issued

• The PC gathers information
• Each parent has an opportunity to be heard
• The PC issues a written decision (usually through OFW)
• The decision is binding unless  overturned by the court

Determinations are not punitive—they are tools to keep the parenting schedule stable and reduce conflict.

4. Role of OurFamilyWizard (OFW)

OFW is the primary communication platform for parents and the PC. It helps ensure transparency, reduce conflict, and keep all information in one place.

The PC uses OFW to:

• Review communication patterns
• Track requests for assistance
• Document decisions
• Monitor compliance with communication expectations

Parents are expected to:

• Keep all communication on OFW
• Use the calendar for scheduling
• Share child‑related information in the Info Bank
• Avoid texting except in emergencies

The Goal

The Parenting Coordinator’s role is to help parents reduce conflict, communicate more effectively, and keep their children’s lives stable and predictable. Interventions—whether day‑to‑day guidance or formal determinations, are always focused on the child’s best interests.