Court News Ohio
Supreme Court Adopts New Parenting Coordination Rules
By Bret Crow
January 24, 2014

The Ohio Supreme Court has adopted new rules governing local courts’ use of parenting coordination that take effect on April 1.

The new Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio would apply to those courts that wish to use parenting coordination, a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process that can be ordered by a court in which a parenting coordinator assists families in implementing parental rights and responsibilities or companionship time orders.

The rules set forth definitions, the role and qualifications of a parenting coordinator, and the responsibilities of the court to adopt local rules governing the use of parenting coordination, confidentiality, privilege, and public access, said Jacqueline Hagerott, manager of the Dispute Resolution Section at the Supreme Court. The rules also include factors necessary for ordering parenting coordination; required conditions when domestic abuse or domestic violence is alleged, suspected, or present; and inappropriate uses of parenting coordination.

Hagerott said local courts are already using parenting coordination to resolve disputes. The aim in adopting standardized rules is to ensure courts use qualified individuals, to assist courts in creating high-quality programs, and to promote consistency among the different programs throughout Ohio.

Courts needing assistance with their current programs or that want to build a new program consistent with the new rules should contact Hagerott at jacqueline.hagerott@sc.ohio.gov.