Co-Parenting Coach & Coordinator
You and your ex can agree on one thing:
You want your kids happy & healthy!
Raising children is already hard...
Raising children is already hard...
- What's their living situation? How will they get to school?
- What happens when conflict arises, in schedule or method?
- How will this impact holidays, celebrations, important events?
- What about healthcare, college savings, and other long-term plans?
- Where do the grandparents and relatives fit in?
- Who handles things like doctor appointments and activities?
"When people are divided, the only solution is agreement."
— John Hume
But you and your ex can make it work!
- Learn empathetic listening and positive communication.
- Practice self-awareness & emotional management.
- Develop your shared vision for a happy, healthy future.
- Break down this huge transition into small weekly steps.
- Learn systems, exercises, and techniques for staying on track.
- Show your kids that getting help can yield wonderful results!
"When people are divided, the only solution is agreement."
— John Hume
Co-Parenting Coach & Coordinator
Parental conflict affect kids, no matter how well you think you hide it from them. All parents want the best for their children—but that doesn’t always translate to agreement.
We can help you develop a strategic and child-focused approach to co-parenting. Whether you’re in conflict or not, we’re here guide you through the challenges of raising children with your ex.
“Paula is an absolute gem to work with – from the very first meeting I was certain I was in the right hands. She has the tools to help you reflect, and more than enough knowledge to break it down and guide you.”
— Brooke H.
I'm a divorced parent; I know it's not easy.
But keeping focus on the kids, we can clear the path ahead!
I'm Dr. Paula Fendley
DIVORCE TRANSITION COACH & PARENTING COORDINATOR
I’ve been a single parent, a successful co-parent, and a child of co-parents (who really struggled and could have used some positive coaching). I understand how difficult and frustrating it can be—and I completely empathize with divorced parents who struggle to raise their children together.
I help co-parents (and sometimes their children) learn how to adjust, strategize, and build a new future together—and for co-parents in conflict, I can serve as a court-appointed parenting coordinator.
So what is a parenting coordinator exactly?
Co-parenting can be a rocky road
Even co-parents who get along, occasionally have disagreements or conflicts. A co-parenting coach keep things moving forward; from communication & planning, to decision-making & adjusting course, as need be.
If there’s too much conflict to move forward, the court may step in and appoint a parenting coordinator to ensure the child’s needs are met.
Co-Parenting Coach
- Hired privately by parents
- For any co-parents seeking help
- Voluntary guidance role
- Not confidential—can be asked to testify
- Focused on the children's best interest
Parenting Coordinator
- Appointed by the court
- For high-conflict families
- Supervisory & compliance role
- Confidential—cannot testify about their work
- Focused on the children's best interest
A parenting coordinator is a family mental health professional who’s designated by the court to help high-conflict divorced parents work toward joint decisions about their children’s education, extracurriculars, healthcare, and other important child-rearing aspects.
Parenting coordinators are not counselors or family therapists—but rather strategists and supervisors. Our job is to provide:
- Perspective & clarity
- Oversight & accountability
- Monitoring & mediation
- Advocacy & support
- Creative solutions to high-conflict problems
Parenting coordinators may also work with relevant teachers, relatives, and therapists/counselors—to ensure that the child’s best interests stay front and center, regardless of the circumstances.
When there’s too much conflict for divorced parents to move forward on their own, a parenting coordinator can help them develop and implement their parenting plans, and make sure the focus is always on the children’s best interests. Parenting coordinators also serve as educators, offering knowledge and resources about childhood development, communication skills, co-parenting methods, etc.
Parent coordinators and co-parenting coaches both:
- Assess & identify problems
- Clarify visions & priorities
- Facilitate effective communication
- Incorporate proven methods for dispute resolution
- Teach strategies for collaborative parenting
- Make sure possession & access agreements (i.e. custody arrangements) are being followed.
Effective parent coordination can help reduce conflict, minimize time in court, and cut down related expenses. We are NOT able to amend court-ordered plans for child support or custody.
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First there’s a hearing to determine whether the co-parents need mandatory third-party oversight. If they do, the court appoints a parenting coordinator, who spends time with the family to figure out what’s not working.
For divorced families who aren’t embroiled in conflict but still want help making the best decisions possible, a co-parenting coach offers expert knowledge, insights, and accountability to keep your path moving in the right direction.
Our job is to help you discuss, develop, and implement major parts of your parenting plan—like deciding between co-parenting vs. parallel parenting. With years of experience working with all sorts of clients, we’re able to find creative solutions to problems that seem impossible. More importantly, we can guide you in a way that keeps new problems from arising.
Sessions are one hour, usually weekly—and we’ll discuss what you worked on that week; your progress and struggles, your goals and practices. Then you’ll get some homework for the next week, like journaling, time-blocking, or gains-tracking.
But before all that, we’ll start with a discovery call—and figure out our timeline and strategy based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Paula is a full experience and truly a blessing…she is here to help do God’s work. It’s not just a job for her, or about the money.