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The Benefits of Hiring a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri: A Guide for Co-Parents
By Jennifer Piper• June 13, 2023Posted in
As a co-parent, navigating the complexities of shared custody can be challenging. It is not uncommon for disagreements and conflicts to arise when making decisions about child custody and visitation. One solution that may help to resolve these issues is to hire a parenting coordinator. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the benefits of hiring a parenting coordinator in Missouri, including what a parenting coordinator is, how they differ from a mediator, the legal aspects of parenting coordination, what to look for when choosing a parenting coordinator, how to work effectively with them, and tips for navigating the parenting coordination process in Missouri. Introducing the Role of a Parenting Coordinator in Missouri A parenting coordinator is a neutral third-party professional who…
What Is A Parenting Coordinator?
By Jennifer Piper• June 17, 2024Posted in
Parenting after a divorce or separation can be an overwhelming task, especially when disagreements arise regarding children’s schedules, activities, or healthcare. You may consider a parenting coordinator, a professional trained in mediation and conflict resolution, who is equipped to help you and your co-parent manage these challenging situations. What is a Parenting Coordinator? A parenting coordinator can be either an attorney or a mental health professional. Their primary role is to assist you in resolving disputes and improving communication regarding co-parenting responsibilities. Unlike a traditional court process, a parenting coordinator offers a quicker and often more accessible avenue for resolving conflicts. What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do? How Does It Work? Benefits of Parenting Coordination In conclusion, parenting coordinators play a vital role in facilitating…
What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do in a High-Conflict Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• November 18, 2024Posted in
In a high-conflict divorce, emotions run high which can make co-parenting extremely difficult. You might feel that you are constantly arguing with your ex-spouse over decisions related to your children with little room for compromise. In situations like this, a parenting coordinator helps you manage disputes and make decisions that benefit your children’s well-being. What is a Parenting Coordinator? A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party who steps in to help you and your ex to resolve parenting conflicts. Their main job is to guide both of you toward agreements on important matters, whether it is about medical decisions, extracurricular activities, or scheduling issues. If you cannot reach a consensus, the parenting coordinator has the authority, with prior approval, to make decisions for you….
What Is a Parenting Plan?
By Jennifer Piper• June 24, 2024Posted in
Co-parenting after a divorce or separation can be complex, but a well-crafted parenting plan will provide the clarity and structure needed to make it work for the benefit of your children. Let’s explore what parenting plans are all about and why they are so important. Understanding Parenting Plans: At its core, a parenting plan is a detailed document that outlines how separated or divorced parents will share the responsibilities of raising their children. It’s essentially a roadmap for co-parenting, covering a wide range of aspects to ensure smooth cooperation between parents. Key Components of a Parenting Plan: Why Parenting Plans Matter: A parenting plan serves as a crucial tool for promoting stability and reducing conflict in co-parenting situations. By clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities, it…
Who Makes Medical Decisions for Your Child After Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• December 8, 2025Posted in
After your divorce, medical decisions for your child depend on whether you share joint legal custody or if one parent has sole legal custody. In Missouri, most parents have joint legal custody, which means you work together on major healthcare choices. If there are disagreements on medical issues, you can use a parenting coordinator to help make those decisions. Understanding Medical Decision-Making After Divorce When you and your co-parent are no longer married, who makes medical decisions for your child can feel uncertain. Missouri law provides a structure for those decisions through joint legal custody or sole legal custody, but your agreement or court order ultimately guides how decisions are made. Joint or Sole Legal Custody In Missouri, most parents receive joint legal custody. This…
Creating a Parenting Plan that Will Work
By Jennifer Piper• March 11, 2026Posted in
A parenting plan outlines when each parent has the children, how decisions about their care will be made, and how to handle communication, child support, healthcare, and other expenses. It will serve as a roadmap for your family, ensuring clarity and consistency, and the court will enforce it if disagreements arise. Why Missouri Requires a Parenting Plan When you and your spouse begin planning for your children’s future, one of the first things you will need to create is a parenting plan, a structured document that outlines how you will share time, responsibilities, and decision-making for your children. Missouri law requires this plan as part of finalizing custody, and it must include certain elements that help both of you manage daily life with consistency and…
8 Tips for Co-Parenting This Summer
By Jennifer Piper• June 3, 2024Posted in
As the temperatures rise and the school bells ring their final chime, summer heralds a season of change for co-parents. Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to the co-parenting game, ensuring a harmonious summer for you, your ex, and most importantly, your children, requires careful planning and communication. Here are 8 essential tips to help you move through the summer months with ease: By following these summer co-parenting tips, you can navigate the season with confidence and create lasting memories for your child. Remember, cooperation and communication are the cornerstones of successful co-parenting, ensuring that every summer is filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments for your family. Contact Family Ally If you have questions or need legal assistance regarding co-parenting, divorce or…
What Does Healthy Co-Parenting Look Like After a Divorce?
By Jennifer Piper• October 27, 2025Posted in
Healthy co-parenting means respecting your child’s other parent, focusing on solutions instead of conflict, keeping your attention on what lies ahead for your children, and always putting their needs first. Respect and Communication Even if you no longer get along with your former spouse, healthy co-parenting means treating them with respect. That doesn’t mean you have to be friends or spend extra time together, but it does mean speaking politely, avoiding name-calling, and keeping conversations focused on the children. Many parents find it helpful to treat communication with a co-parent like a business exchange. Keep it short, courteous, and focused on the subject at hand. Using email or text can also reduce tension if in-person conversations are difficult. Keeping Children Out of Conflict Children should…
Co-Parenting After Divorce: A Guide for St. Louis Families
By Jennifer Piper• March 27, 2024Posted in
When children are involved in a divorce it can make the divorce process even more difficult. But once the legal proceedings are over, the real work of co-parenting begins. Here are six tips to help you and your ex navigate this challenging journey: 1. Avoid Assumptions It is easy to fall into the trap of assuming the worst about your ex-spouse but try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Keeping an open mind can lead to better communication and less conflict. 2. Maintain Professionalism Treat your co-parenting relationship like a business partnership. This means keeping communication respectful and avoiding sending angry emails or texts that could escalate tensions. 3. Be Respectful Demonstrate respect in all aspects of your interactions. This includes your communication…
Divorce in the Age of Equal Parenting
By Jennifer Piper• May 20, 2024Posted in
Divorce is a significant life event that can bring about many changes, especially when children are involved. In today’s world, the concept of equal parenting is reshaping the landscape of custody arrangements and how divorcing couples navigate the process. The Rise of Equal Parenting Equal parenting, also known as shared parenting, moves away from the traditional notion of one parent having primary custody while the other has visitation rights. Instead, it emphasizes a more balanced approach, aiming for a 50-50 split in parenting time unless circumstances dictate otherwise. This shift is based on the idea that both parents play essential roles in a child’s life and should share responsibilities equally whenever possible. Judicial Trends and Equal Parenting One significant impact of this shift is the…