Parenting Coordination in Alberta: What It Is and When It Helps

By Noori Sidhu, Family Lawyer at Cambria Law (Edmonton)
Published: Monday, December 17, 2025

Introduction

When parents separate, reaching an agreement about how to raise their children isn’t always the end of conflict. Disagreements over schedules, holidays, or day-to-day decisions can continue long after court orders or parenting plans are in place. For some Alberta families, these ongoing disputes make co-parenting exhausting and emotionally draining.

That’s where parenting coordination comes in — a structured process designed to help separated parents resolve recurring issues without repeatedly going back to court. Parenting coordination blends mediation, education, and, when needed, binding decision-making to help families stay focused on their children’s best interests.

What Parenting Coordination Is

Parenting coordination is a dispute resolution service used after a parenting order or agreement is already in place. It doesn’t replace mediation or court — it steps in once the major parenting structure is set, but smaller conflicts keep resurfacing.

A parenting coordinator (often a trained lawyer, psychologist, or social worker) acts as a neutral professional who:

• Helps parents interpret or implement existing parenting arrangements.
• Facilitates communication to reduce conflict.
• Makes decisions on minor disputes when parents can’t agree — for example, about pick-up times, extracurricular activities, or vacation plans.

The goal is to keep families out of court, minimize stress on children, and encourage cooperative co-parenting over time.

When It’s Used in Alberta

Parenting coordination is most often used in high-conflict co-parenting situations where communication has broken down but both parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives. It can be voluntary — if parents agree to use it — or court-ordered under the Family Law Act or Divorce Act where appropriate.

In Edmonton, judges and family lawyers often recommend parenting coordination when:

• Parents argue over minor details of existing orders.
• Communication regularly leads to conflict.
• The children are caught in the middle of disputes.
• Parents need ongoing support to make parenting arrangements work.

How Parenting Coordination Works

A parenting coordination process usually lasts between six months and two years. Parents sign a written agreement or consent order setting out:

• The coordinator’s authority.
• The issues they can decide.
• How costs are shared.

The coordinator first tries to resolve disagreements through mediation and education. If no agreement is reached, the coordinator can issue a written decision (arbitration) that becomes binding, similar to a court order.

Most parenting coordinators meet with each parent individually before starting joint sessions. Communication often happens through email, virtual meetings, or structured check-ins — helping to reduce direct conflict between the parents.

Legal Framework in Alberta

Under Alberta law, parenting coordination falls under the Arbitration Act when the coordinator has decision-making authority. This means both parties must agree in writing to allow arbitration and follow the coordinator’s determinations.

The Alberta Family Justice Strategy, introduced in 2025, actively promotes parenting coordination as part of its early-resolution focus — helping families resolve disputes sooner, without the delays and costs of full litigation.

Courts in Edmonton are increasingly supportive of parenting coordination orders, particularly in ongoing high-conflict cases.

Benefits of Parenting Coordination

Parenting coordination offers practical advantages that traditional litigation can’t match:

1. Quicker resolutions — Issues can often be addressed within days or weeks instead of waiting months for a court date.
    
2. Reduced stress for children — Parents deal with conflict privately, not in front of their kids or in a courtroom.
    
3. Lower legal costs — Fewer court applications mean fewer legal fees over time.
    
4. Long-term skill-building — Parents learn healthier communication patterns and conflict-resolution strategies.
    
5. Consistency — Coordinators help ensure parenting orders are applied fairly and predictably.

Limits of Parenting Coordination

It’s important to note that parenting coordinators cannot:

• Change existing parenting orders or make major decisions about custody or relocation.
• Handle criminal allegations or child protection matters.
• Replace a lawyer or give legal advice to either parent.

If serious issues arise — such as family violence or a need to modify legal parenting rights — parents will need to return to court or consult a family lawyer.

Choosing a Parenting Coordinator in Edmonton

In Alberta, parenting coordinators must meet specific qualifications under the Family Arbitration Regulation, including training in family law, mediation, and arbitration. Many are members of the Alberta Family Mediation Society or the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).

When selecting a coordinator, parents should consider:

• Professional background and accreditation.
• Experience with high-conflict families.
• Comfort with hybrid (mediation/arbitration) approaches.
• Communication style and availability.

Your lawyer can help draft a clear parenting coordination agreement that defines authority, costs, and the process for appealing decisions if necessary.

When Parenting Coordination Makes Sense

Parenting coordination works best for families who:

• Already have a court order or parenting agreement in place.
• Struggle with frequent, recurring disputes.
• Want faster, less adversarial solutions.
• Are willing to engage in good faith to improve co-parenting dynamics.

It’s less suitable for situations involving family violence, power imbalances, or safety risks — where other court-based protections are more appropriate.

Conclusion

Parenting coordination offers Alberta families a practical way to reduce ongoing conflict and protect children from the fallout of parental disputes. For many in Edmonton, it bridges the gap between rigid court orders and real-life parenting challenges — creating space for cooperation instead of confrontation.
If you’re facing ongoing co-parenting challenges or repeated court applications, parenting coordination may be an effective path forward.

Cambria Law | Family Law in Edmonton

At Cambria Law, we help parents find durable, low-conflict solutions that put children first. Our family law team can explain whether parenting coordination, mediation, or another resolution process fits your situation.

Contact us to discuss your options and move toward a healthier co-parenting plan.