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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…
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…
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…
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…
In A Divorce – What Does the Best Interest of a Child Mean?
By Jennifer Piper• June 3, 2026Posted in
In Missouri custody cases, the court decides parenting arrangements based on what serves the child’s overall well-being. Judges look at factors such as each parent’s involvement, the child’s relationships, school stability, mental and physical health, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Understanding the “Best Interest” Standard When you are dealing with custody issues in Missouri, the court is required to determine custody according to the child’s best interest. While the law gives several factors for courts to consider, it does not provide one exact definition of what “best interest” means. Missouri law includes a rebuttable presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time is in a child’s best interest. In other words, the court starts with the assumption…
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….
Co-Parenting vs. Parallel Parenting: What’s Best for Your Children?
By Jennifer Piper• July 20, 2026Posted in
When parents separate, it is tempting to think that having as little contact as possible will make life easier. While limited communication may help in certain situations, children usually benefit when parents work together on important decisions that affect their health, education, and well-being. What is Co-Parenting and What is Parallel Parenting? You have probably heard the terms co-parenting and parallel parenting used in family law discussions. Many people assume that parallel parenting means you and your former spouse never have to communicate or make decisions together. That is rarely possible. Even when you have separate households, there are still important matters that require cooperation. Medical care, educational decisions, extracurricular activities, and special needs services usually require input from both parents. Why Parallel Parenting Has…
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…
I Just Want It Over! Why Rushing a Divorce is a Big Mistake
By Jennifer Piper• August 18, 2026Posted in
Moving quickly through a divorce may seem appealing, but making major decisions without fully understanding the long-term consequences could cost you financially, affect the time you spend with your children, and create problems that do not become apparent until years later. Why People Want to Finish a Divorce Quickly When you are ready to move on with your life, it is natural to want the divorce process behind you. You may be emotionally exhausted, eager to end the conflict, and ready to focus on a new chapter in your life. While those feelings are understandable, making decisions based solely on speeding up the divorce process can lead to outcomes you will later regret. Your divorce agreement will affect your finances, property, parenting arrangements, and future,…
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…