What Are Parenting Coordinators, and What is Rule 909?

 Posted on January 24, 2025 in Family Law

If you are in the middle of a custody fight with your spouse during your divorce, a judge may appoint a parenting coordinator. A parenting coordinator is a third party whose job is to resolve parenting conflicts outside of the courtroom.

The appointment of a parenting coordinator is not meant to punish parents. The purpose is to educate parents in problem-solving and disagreement resolution and to make decisions on their behalf when they cannot or will not make them on their own.

Parenting coordinators are meant to keep the court from getting bogged down with parental disputes. Whether you and your spouse have a parenting plan and have determined the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time or are just starting the process, if you have questions your Illinois family law attorney can help.  

When Did the Illinois Supreme Court Adopt Rule 909?

Rule 909 was adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court on May 24, 2023, to establish a framework across the state that would fully utilize parenting coordinators. The concept of parenting coordinators actually began in the 1980s to help families navigate the many difficulties associated with co-parenting. After the Illinois State Bar Association proposed adding parenting coordinators to the court systems, the proposal was approved by the Illinois Supreme Court.

What Does a Parenting Coordinator Do?

Parents who have repeated disputes on parenting issues can benefit from a parenting coordinator, whether there is a temporary parenting plan or a final parenting plan in place. No matter how careful a parenting plan is crafted, there will always be unexpected issues that come up that are not addressed in the plan. When parents cannot compromise with one another when these issues arise, conflict becomes a constant.  

A court order or written agreement for parenting coordination starts the process. This document must spell out the parenting coordinator’s process, scope, and duties. Parenting coordinators essentially have four goals:

• Clarifying, complying with, or implementing parenting plans

• Educating parents about the needs of their child so that appropriate decisions can be made.

• Reducing misunderstandings and arguments among parents while helping them learn to cooperate and compromise in the process.  

• Preventing unnecessary re-litigation by addressing conflicts stemming from a parenting plan.  

A parenting coordinator will monitor both parents' behavior to determine whether each is complying with the parenting plan and other court orders regarding their child. The parenting coordinator will also mediate arguments and disagreements between the parents, hopefully teaching them how to solve these issues peacefully and independently.

If outside resources are needed, the parenting coordinator will make recommendations to the parents. Finally, the parenting coordinator will document any instances of non-compliance by either parent and then make recommendations to the court.

If a parenting coordinator is unsuccessful in helping the parents learn to make mutually acceptable decisions for the child, he or she will bring these issues to the court’s attention, and the parent can then challenge the parenting coordinator’s recommendations.

Contact a Kane County, IL Custody Lawyer

Every family’s situation is unique, but in most cases, a parenting coordinator can provide a structured framework that allows parents to work together for the best interests of their child while addressing conflicts in a healthier way.

When you choose a St. Charles, IL divorce attorney from Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, you can expect a strong legal advocate. MKFM Law serves family law clients at our offices in Kane County, DuPage County, and DeKalb County for your convenience. Call 630-665-7300 today to schedule an initial attorney meeting to discuss your family law needs.