Canadian Parenting Coordinators Association, CPCA
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Parenting Coordination Legislation Passes in North Carolina by Barbara Bartlett, Tulsa, OK On July 27, 2005, North Carolina joined seven other stateswith new Parenting Coordination laws. Similar to the Okla- homa and Idaho statutes, North Carolina limts the Parent Coordinator's (PC) authority to compliance and implemen- tation. The PC may not modify existing orders, and the court exercises exclusive control of custody, visitation and support. Additionally, the PC may be appointed without consent. The statute follows AFCC's new Guidelines for Parenting Coordination by assuring that the PC is highly qualified. The PC must have background and training in working with high conflict families of divorce. The PC's training is to continue with involvement in peer review and support. The statute also prevents dual roles of the PC and disallows any other professional service to be rendered by the PC to the same parties. The most distinctive provision to the North Carolina statute is a mandatory meeting for the involved parties with the judge, attorneys, and the PC. The parties are clearly informed about the PC's role, authority, and responsibilities. Information available to the PC, rules of communication and fee payment are also determined. The North Carolina PC statute can be found at www.ncga.state.nc.us by following the " Bills Signed by the Governor" link and clicking House Bill link "H1221." |
from AFCC NEWS, Volume 24, Number 4, Fall 2005, page 9
Note that the "seven other states" that Barbara made reference to are:
Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas.