New Ohio Supreme Court parenting coordination rules

The Ohio Supreme Court announced yesterday that it would be accepting public comment on proposed new rules governing courts' use of parenting coordination, a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process ordered by the court in which a coordinator assists high-conflict parents in implementing parental rights and responsibilities.

The new Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio focus upon those courts that wish to use parenting coordination, include the factors that should be present when ordering it, set forth the role parenting coordinators should play in the process, the qualifications he or she should possess, and the need for courts to adopt local rules governing its use.

Comments on the proposed rules, which will be entertained until June 8th., should be submitted in writing to:

Jacqueline Hagerott, Dispute Resolution Programs manager
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 S. Front St., Sixth Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Or via e-mail to jacqueline.hagerott@sc.ohio.gov

Language of Proposed Rules.

Parenting coordination evolved out of the Ohio Task Force on Family Law & Children back in 2001, an undertaking started two years earlier in "recognition of the fact that children and families are better served when paramount importance is placed on the needs of children and the responsibilities of the adults who care for them, with both parents needing to be parents, no matter where the child is living." Background information there can be found in the Task Force’s final report.