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 shared communication platforms such as OurFamilyWizard (OFW).
• If they cannot resolve the issue,  either parent may contact the PC 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 shared communication 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, what types of situational Determinations can be made

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 Parenting Cordinator’s determination powers are administrative, child‑focused, and narrow in scope. They are designed to resolve day‑to‑day disputes that arise under an existing parenting plan or court order. Based on the Parenting and Support Act and Nova Scotia practice, a PC may issue determinations on matters such as:

• Clarifying or interpreting parts of an existing parenting order or agreement when parents disagree about its meaning.
• Resolving day‑to‑day parenting disputes, including:
  • transitions and pick‑up/drop‑off logistics
  • holiday scheduling conflicts
  • communication protocols
  • participation in routine extracurricular activities
  • minor medical or educational issues that do not alter decision‑making responsibility
• Implementing the parenting plan by filling in procedural gaps (e.g., exact exchange times, method of communication).
• Setting temporary, issue‑specific directions to reduce conflict and maintain stability for the child.

These determinations are binding unless and until a court varies them..

A Parenting Coordinator’s authority is not judicial. They cannot make decisions that change substantive rights or alter the core parenting structure. Under the Parenting and Support Act and Nova Scotia family‑law practice, a PC cannot:

• Change decision‑making responsibility (formerly custody).
• Change parenting time in any significant or long‑term way.
• Create new parenting rights or remove existing ones.
• Make determinations on relocation, school choice, major medical decisions, or other “significant decisions” defined in the Act.
• Override or contradict a court order or separation agreement.
• Make determinations outside the scope of the written consent or court appointment (their authority must be expressly granted).
• Act as a judge or impose sanctions, penalties, or contempt findings.
• Provide confidential therapy or act as a private investigator.

These limits flow from the statutory definitions of decision‑making responsibility, parenting time, and the court’s exclusive jurisdiction over major parenting changes.

4. Role of shared communication platforms such as OurFamilyWizard (OFW) 

Shared communication platforms are the primary communication method for parents and the PC. It helps ensure transparency, reduce conflict, and keep all information in one place.

The PC uses shared communication platforms is to:

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

Parents are expected to:

• Keep continue all communication on the agreed platform
• Use the calendar for scheduling
• Share child‑related information 
• 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.