Parenting Coordination in South Africa
Structured, child centred assistance where parenting arrangements exist but conflict continues.Parenting Coordination assists separated or divorced parents who remain in conflict about the implementation of care and contact arrangements, parenting plans, settlement agreements or court orders.
The process is practical, structured and child focused. It is designed to reduce recurring disputes, improve communication and manage implementation difficulties within a clear South African family law framework.
Attorney Led
Child Focussed Approach
Court Aligned
Attorney Referrals
When Parenting Coordination May Be Needed
A court order or parenting plan does not always end conflict. Parents may still disagree about handovers, holiday contact, school arrangements, communication, medical appointments, travel logistics or electronic contact.
Parenting Coordination may be appropriate where:
- Practical disputes keep recurring
- A child is exposed to ongoing parental conflict
- Attorneys are repeatedly drawn into implementation issues
- Clear boundaries and record keeping are required
What Parental Coordination is
- Conflict management - Structured engagement to reduce recurring implementation disputes.
- Communication - Clear protocols for email, WhatsApp, co parenting applications and response times.
- Mandate based - Recommendations or directives may be issued where the governing mandate allows them.
What Parental Coordination is NOT
- Not legal representation or legal advice
- Not therapy or family counselling
- Not forensic assessment or expert evaluation
- Not judicial decision making
- Not a substitute for urgent court intervention
The Legal Framework
The starting point is the best interests of the child. That standard is central, but it does not give the Parenting Coordinator unlimited authority. The Parenting Coordinator must act within the mandate created by the relevant court order, parenting plan, agreement or appointment document.
A proper mandate should clarify:
Issues included
Issues Excluded
Directive powers
Review route
Payment responsibility
Access to documents
Non cooperation
Other Court Orders
Practical Issues the PC May Assist With
Care & Contact
Times, venues, transport and practical transitions.
Commu-nication
Response times, handover protocols and boundaries.
School Logistics
School events, homework, transport, uniforms and extramurals..
Holiday Arrangements
Birthdays, school holidays, religious or cultural days.
Medical Arrangements
Information sharing and appointments within mandate.
Travel Logistics
Documents, handover of documents and practical safeguards.
What can a PC do? Directives, Recommendations & Agreements
Directives
A written decision within mandate, binding where authorised unless varied, suspended or set aside..
Recom- mendation
A non binding professional view or proposed course of action.
Agreement
Parents may reach a written agreement with the assistance of the Parenting Coordinator.
Appointment Process (Typical Flow)
Initial enquiry or referral
Mandate review and scope
PC appointment and onboarding
Information and document collection
Assessment and issue identification
Directives or recommen- dations
Review and follow up
Child Participation, Safety and High Risk Matters
Children should not be drawn unnecessarily into adult conflict. The Parenting Coordinator may consult with a child only where appropriate, developmentally suitable and necessary for the issue. Where safety concerns arise, the process may be adapted or referred out.
High risk matters remain the proper domain of the court.
