BC Family Law Act — Section 15
Parenting Coordinator BC — Day-to-Day Disputes. Resolved Fast.
High-conflict co-parenting doesn't have to mean endless court applications. A parenting coordinator — appointed under BC's
— has binding decision-making authority on the day-to-day issues that keep pulling families back to court. Faster, cheaper, and built for the long game.
A parenting coordinator (PC) is a neutral, qualified professional appointed to help separated or divorced parents implement and fine-tune an existing parenting order or agreement. Unlike a judge, the PC's focus is narrow: the day-to-day issues that routinely generate conflict. Unlike a mediator, the PC can actually decide those issues if the parents can't agree — and that decision is binding.
In BC, parenting coordinators operate under the authority of the
. The PC does not replace the court and cannot rewrite the fundamental terms of a parenting order. Their role is to make the existing order work — resolving the friction points before they escalate.
A PC is not a therapist, counsellor, or mental health professional in this role. Their focus is legally binding dispute resolution on day-to-day parenting matters. If there are safety concerns or family violence, those must be addressed through the appropriate channels before a PC appointment is appropriate.
Andrew Liggett BA JD CD — 35+ Years BC Family Law
Andrew brings over three decades of BC family law experience to complex co-parenting disputes. He advises clients on whether a parenting coordinator is the right fit and how to navigate the appointment process.
PC vs. Mediator vs. Going to Court
How to Appoint a Parenting Coordinator in BC
One or both parents can apply to BC Supreme Court to appoint a PC. This is common when one parent sees the need and the other is resistant, or when the appointment needs judicial authority to be effective.
Both parents can simply sign a written agreement to appoint a PC without going to court. This is faster and more collaborative, and works best when both parents recognise the need.
BC does not have a single professional accreditation for parenting coordinators, but PCs typically have:
While parenting coordinators charge professional fees, they resolve disputes in a fraction of the time it takes to litigate in court.
Even a single court application costs $2,000–$5,000. If a PC resolves 5–10 disputes over a 2-year appointment at a fraction of that cost, the ROI is immediate — and the ongoing, sustainable mechanism means parents save money while preserving energy for co-parenting.
What a PC Can and Cannot Decide
When Should You Use a Parenting Coordinator?
Comprehensive overview of parenting coordination in BC, including how the process works, coordinator qualifications, and when it's the right choice for high-conflict families.
A free intake call with Andrew Liggett helps you understand whether a parenting coordinator is the right fit for your situation — and what the appointment process looks like. No commitment required.
This page provides general legal information about parenting coordinators in British Columbia. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact Sea to Sky Law™.
A PC is appointed by court order or written agreement. The appointment document sets out the PC's mandate, scope of authority, and how fees are shared (usually equally unless the court orders otherwise).
The PC reviews the existing parenting order or agreement, meets separately with each parent, and may review any relevant court documents or communications.
The PC facilitates structured communication between parents to resolve disputes. The PC attempts mediation of issues within their mandate first.
If parents cannot agree, the PC makes a binding decision on the specific issue within their mandate. The decision is written and takes effect immediately.
Either parent can apply to BC Supreme Court to review a PC decision if they believe it conflicts with the existing order or is otherwise reviewable. Most PC appointments run 1–2 years.
What does a parenting coordinator do in BC? They resolve co-parenting disputes with binding authority — without court. Learn costs, how to get one, and how they differ from mediators.
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Parenting coordinator services in BC. Appointed by court order or written agreement under the BC Family Law Act. Resolving day-to-day parenting disputes outside of court.
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Judge issues an order setting PC's mandate and authority
Parties select a qualified PC or ask the court to appoint one
Sign a written appointment agreement (can be as simple as an email)
Law degree (BC lawyer) or significant family law experience
Training in family law ADR (mediation, collaborative practice)
Professional license (law, psychology, social work, counselling)
Membership in professional organisations (mediator associations, law societies)
Total annual cost: $2,000–$8,000 (both parents combined)
Total cost: Varies widely depending on volume of disputes
Fee-sharing: Each party bears their own costs (unless court orders otherwise)
Timeline: Months to years from filing to final order
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Minor disputes keep escalating to courtroom applications. The cost and stress of repeated litigation is unsustainable — and a PC resolves the same issues in days, not months.
Parents cannot exchange information without conflict. Every interaction becomes a dispute. A PC structures communication and makes binding calls when parents can't agree.
Too many small issues for mediation to address one at a time. When the volume of day-to-day disagreements makes co-parenting unsustainable, an ongoing PC appointment provides a standing resolution mechanism.
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