Mediator vs. Parenting Coordinator in Florida: Common Questions
If you've heard both terms during a divorce or custody case and aren't sure which one applies to you, you're not alone. This page explains, in general terms, how family mediation and parenting coordination work in Florida. Jessica Oliver, LCSW, is a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator (#44460F) and a qualified Florida parenting coordinator. This page is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your own case, please talk with a family law attorney.
Mediator vs. parenting coordinator at a glance
Family mediator Parenting coordinator Main purpose Helps you and the other parent try to reach your own voluntary agreement, such as a parenting plan (Fla. Stat. §44.1011(2)). Helps parents create or carry out a parenting plan and work through day-to-day disagreements (Fla. Stat. §61.125(2)). Who chooses or appoints The parties may choose a mediator, or a court may refer the case to mediation. Appointed by the court, or agreed to by the parties (Fla. Stat. §61.125(1)(d), (3)). When it's used Usually before or during a case, to work on open issues. Usually after a parenting plan exists, when ongoing conflict makes it hard to follow. Length Varies by case. Ongoing; length is set by the court order or the parents' agreement. Decision-making The mediator doesn't decide anything. Decision-making rests with the parties (§44.1011(2)). May educate and make recommendations; limited decisions only with prior approval of the parents and the court, within the court's order (§61.125(2)). Confidentiality Generally confidential under Fla. Stat. §44.405, with exceptions listed in §44.405(4). Communications generally confidential under §61.125(8), with listed exceptions. Cost structure Usually an hourly rate the parties pay, often shared. Jessica: $200 per hour, 2-hour minimum. Court decides how fees are split between the parties (§61.125(7)). Jessica's rate: $200 per hour.
What each role does
What is the difference between a mediator and a parenting coordinator in Florida?
A mediator helps you and the other parent try to reach your own agreement, and never decides anything for you. A parenting coordinator works with parents over time to put a parenting plan into practice, and may make limited decisions only with prior approval of the parents and the court. Either way, the professional is neutral (Fla. Stat. §44.1011, §61.125).
What does a parenting coordinator do?
A parenting coordinator helps parents create or carry out a parenting plan by providing education, making recommendations and helping them work through disagreements (Fla. Stat. §61.125(2)). A coordinator is neutral, doesn't represent either parent and doesn't give legal advice. Each parent can still have their own attorney for that.
Learn more: What does a parenting coordinator do in Florida? (full guide) · Parenting coordination
Can a parenting coordinator make decisions?
Only limited ones, and only with prior approval. Under Fla. Stat. §61.125(2), a parenting coordinator may make limited decisions with the prior approval of the parents and the court, within the scope of the court's order of referral. Otherwise, the coordinator's role is to provide education and make recommendations. Major decisions stay with the parents and the court.
What does a family mediator do?
A family mediator guides a structured conversation so you and the other parent can try to reach your own voluntary agreement on issues such as a parenting plan or time-sharing. The mediator stays neutral and doesn't take sides. Under Fla. Stat. §44.1011(2), decision-making authority rests with the parties, not the mediator.
Learn more: Mediation
Is a parenting coordinator the same as a guardian ad litem?
No. A guardian ad litem represents a child's best interests in court. A parenting coordinator is an impartial third party who helps both parents carry out their parenting plan. If you're unsure which role your case involves, your attorney or the court order can usually tell you.
Can the same person be my mediator and my parenting coordinator?
No. Florida's parenting coordinator rules prohibit dual roles, and a coordinator must not accept a case after a prior professional relationship with either parent. That can include having served as the family's mediator. If Jessica mediates your case, a different professional would usually serve as your parenting coordinator. In a free consultation, she can talk with you about which process may fit.
Who qualifies to be a parenting coordinator in Florida?
Florida law sets minimum qualifications. Under Fla. Stat. §61.125(5), a qualified parenting coordinator must hold a listed professional credential, such as a mental health license or Florida Bar membership, and complete three years of post-license practice, certified family mediation training, 24 hours of parenting coordination training and 4 hours of domestic violence and child abuse training.
Learn more: Florida Courts: Parenting Coordination
When each process is used
When is parenting coordination used instead of mediation?
Mediation is usually used to work toward an agreement, such as a new or modified parenting plan. Parenting coordination usually comes later, when a plan exists but ongoing conflict makes it hard to follow. Some families use both at different stages, with different professionals. If you're not sure, a free consultation can help sort out which one may fit.
Who appoints a parenting coordinator in Florida?
A court may appoint a parenting coordinator in a case involving a parenting plan, if the parents agree, if one parent asks, or on its own motion. Parents can also agree to use a coordinator without a court order. Florida law excludes domestic violence proceedings under Chapter 741 from this referral (Fla. Stat. §61.125(3)).
How long does parenting coordination last?
It depends on the case. Parenting coordination is an ongoing process, and its length is set by the court's order of referral or by the parents' written agreement. The coordinator can report to the court if the case is no longer appropriate for parenting coordination (Fla. Stat. §61.125(8)(d)). Your order or agreement is the best guide.
Is mediation required for divorce in Florida?
Often, in contested cases. Florida's family rules allow courts to refer all contested family matters to mediation (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(b)), and some circuits do this routinely by administrative order. Requirements vary by circuit and case, so the court in your case, or your attorney, can tell you what applies.
Learn more: Is mediation required before divorce in Florida? · What happens if mediation fails in Florida?
Can we use parenting coordination without a court order?
Yes. Under Florida law, parenting coordination can be court ordered or agreed upon by the parties (Fla. Stat. §61.125(1)(c)). Parents who choose it on their own typically put that agreement in writing. Your attorney can explain how a private agreement relates to your existing court orders.
Can you have a parenting coordinator if there was domestic violence?
Only if both parents consent freely and voluntarily, and the court orders safety safeguards. The court must offer each parent a chance to consult an attorney or domestic violence advocate first (Fla. Stat. §61.125(4)). Separately, referral isn't available in a Chapter 741 domestic violence case (§61.125(3)). Please raise any safety concern in your first conversation.
Learn more: Domestic violence resources: Florida Courts
Confidentiality and neutrality
Is mediation confidential in Florida?
Generally, yes. Under Fla. Stat. §44.405, most mediation communications are confidential and privileged. The exceptions in §44.405(4) include a signed written agreement, unless the parties agree otherwise, and communications that require a mandatory report of abuse. Your mediator should explain these limits before you begin.
Is what I tell a parenting coordinator confidential?
Mostly, yes. Communications in parenting coordination sessions are confidential under Fla. Stat. §61.125(8), with listed exceptions, such as compliance with the court's order, protecting someone from domestic violence or child abuse, and reporting that the case is no longer appropriate. Your coordinator must explain the limits of confidentiality at the first session.
Does a parenting coordinator report to the judge?
Only in limited ways. Most communications stay confidential, but Florida law lets a coordinator share certain matters with the court, such as a party's compliance with the order of referral or court-ordered evaluations, counseling or testing, or that the case is no longer appropriate (Fla. Stat. §61.125(8)). A coordinator must immediately report emergencies, such as suspected child abuse (§61.125(9)).
Does the mediator or parenting coordinator take sides?
No. Both roles are neutral. A mediator doesn't advocate for either party or decide the case, and a parenting coordinator is defined in Florida law as an impartial third party (Fla. Stat. §61.125(1)(d)). Each parent can still have their own attorney for legal advice.
Cost and getting started
How much does a mediator cost in Florida?
Jessica's mediation rate is $200 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum. Rates vary by mediator and region. Some Florida courts offer reduced-fee mediation based on income, so it may be worth asking the court in your case. A free 15-minute consultation comes first.
Learn more: How much does divorce mediation cost in Florida? · Appointments and fees
Who pays for a parenting coordinator?
In a court-ordered case, the court decides how parenting coordination fees and costs are split between the parties (Fla. Stat. §61.125(7)). Parents who agree to it on their own usually agree on the split. Jessica's parenting coordination rate is $200 per hour.
Do I need a lawyer to use mediation or parenting coordination?
No, you aren't required to have a lawyer to take part, but neither a mediator nor a parenting coordinator can give you legal advice. Many people consult an attorney before signing an agreement. Jessica works with parents who have attorneys and with parents who don't.
Learn more: Mediation vs. collaborative divorce in Florida · Collaborative divorce
Can mediation or parenting coordination happen over Zoom?
Yes. Jessica holds Zoom sessions statewide in Florida and meets in person in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Sumter counties. Florida's mediation confidentiality law covers participants who attend by video, and so does the parenting coordination statute, with the same exceptions. Court-referred mediation is held in person unless the court order or both parties' agreement allows video. For privacy, join from a private space and don't record.
Learn more: Virtual family mediation in Florida
How do I get started?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. Jessica will listen and explain how each process works. Only one person needs to be on that first call. The other parent is offered the same consultation, and Jessica doesn't give either parent advice about the dispute.
Learn more: Book a free consultation
Related guides
Book a free consultation
Book a free 15-minute consultation. Jessica meets in person in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Sumter counties and holds Zoom sessions statewide in Florida. See all locations: Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Sumter, Pinellas (Zoom), Lake (Zoom), Polk (Zoom), Orange (Zoom).