Filed: Jul. 03, 2014
Latest Update: Mar. 02, 2020
Summary: Supreme Court of Florida _ No. SC13-1751 _ IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE; NEW RULES FOR QUALIFIED AND COURT- APPOINTED PARENTING COORDINATORS. [July 3, 2014] PER CURIAM. The Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy (ADR Committee) has filed a petition proposing amendments to the Family Law Rules of Procedure and new Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting Coordinators. 1 We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 1. The AD
Summary: Supreme Court of Florida _ No. SC13-1751 _ IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE; NEW RULES FOR QUALIFIED AND COURT- APPOINTED PARENTING COORDINATORS. [July 3, 2014] PER CURIAM. The Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy (ADR Committee) has filed a petition proposing amendments to the Family Law Rules of Procedure and new Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting Coordinators. 1 We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 1. The ADR..
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Supreme Court of Florida
____________
No. SC13-1751
____________
IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF
PROCEDURE; NEW RULES FOR QUALIFIED AND COURT-
APPOINTED PARENTING COORDINATORS.
[July 3, 2014]
PER CURIAM.
The Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy (ADR
Committee) has filed a petition proposing amendments to the Family Law Rules of
Procedure and new Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting
Coordinators. 1 We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.
1. The ADR Committee was created in 2003 and charged with monitoring
court rules governing alternative dispute resolution policies and procedures, and
making recommendations as necessary to improve the use of mediation,
arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to supplement the
judicial process. See In re Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and
Policy, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC03-32 (July 8, 2003). Along with its petition
in this case, the ADR Committee also submitted its Report and Recommendations
Related to Parenting Coordination Training Standards, Procedures and Processes,
which included a proposed administrative order, and was considered separately by
the Court as an administrative matter.
After the petition was filed, the proposals were published for comment in
The Florida Bar News. Comments were received, and the ADR Committee filed a
response. Upon consideration of the petition, the comments, and the Committee’s
response, we adopt the amended and new rules as proposed.
Amendments to Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742 (Parenting
Coordination)
First, we adopt several amendments to rule 12.742. New subdivision (b) is
adopted providing that each circuit shall establish a process for parenting
coordinator qualification. New subdivision (g) is adopted providing that the court
shall remove the parenting coordinator if the parenting coordinator becomes
disqualified. Current subdivision (h) (Limitation of Authority) is reworded to (1)
provide that the parenting coordinator cannot resolve substantive disputes between
the parties, (2) provide a definition of a substantive dispute, and (3) provide that
the parenting coordinator cannot make substantive recommendations concerning
parental responsibility or timesharing to the court unless the court determines there
is an emergency as defined by section 61.125(8), Florida Statutes (2013), the
recommendation would be in the best interest of the child, and the parties agree
that any parenting coordination communications that may be raised to support or
challenge the recommendation will be permitted.
Current subdivision (j) (Written Communication with Court) is amended to
(1) acknowledge that parenting coordinators are required by section 61.125 to
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report certain emergencies to the court without giving notice to the parties, (2)
require the parenting coordinator to use the new proposed form (discussed below)
when reporting emergencies to the court, (3) require the parenting coordinator to
file a written request for a status conference if unable to perform his or her duties
in accordance with the court’s direction, and (4) require the use of the new
proposed form (discussed below) for requesting the status conference. New
subdivision (n) provides the definition of a “parenting coordination session,” and a
new committee note is added encouraging the referral of parties to other ADR
processes in order to aid the development of “voluntary and mutually self-
determined” parenting plans.
New Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting
Coordinators—Rule 15
Next, we adopt this new body of rules governing Parenting Coordinators.
Part I sets forth ethical standards for parenting coordinators and reinforces the
concepts of communication, negotiation, and facilitation upon which parenting
coordination is based, as well as explaining the role of the parenting coordinator.
The ethical standards address adherence to the role, competence, integrity,
impartiality, conflicts of interest, compliance with statutory and other authority
governing parenting coordination, marketing, adherence to other professional
ethical standards by which the parenting coordinator is bound, confidentiality,
duties regarding the initial session, fees, records, and responsibility to the courts.
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Part II addresses discipline and provides simply that complaints alleging violations
of the standards for qualified and court-appointed parenting coordinators shall be
filed with the Dispute Resolution Center which shall be responsible for enforcing
the standards.
New and Amended Parenting Coordination Forms
Finally, we amend existing forms 12.984 and 12.998 and adopt two new
forms.
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998 (Order of Referral to Parenting
Coordinator). This form is amended to add language about requesting a status
conference in the event the parenting coordinator is unable to adequately perform
the duties in accordance with the court’s direction. It is also renumbered as form
12.984(a).
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984 (Response by Parenting
Coordinator). This form is amended to incorporate the amendments to rule 12.742,
and the new proposed Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting
Coordinators. It is renumbered as form 12.984(b).
New Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c) (Parenting
Coordinator Report of an Emergency). Under the proposed amendments to rule
12.742, this form will be used by parenting coordinators in order to report
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emergencies to the court, in compliance with section 61.125(8), Florida Statutes
(2013).
New Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(d) (Parenting
Coordinator Request for Status Conference). Under the proposed amendments to
rule 12.742, this form will be used by the parenting coordinator to request status
conferences in order to 1) request direction from the court, 2) request resolution by
the court, 3) report noncompliance by a party, 4) report that the case is no longer
appropriate for parenting coordination, 5) report that the parenting coordinator is
no longer qualified, or 6) report that the parenting coordinator is unable or
unwilling to continue to serve.
Accordingly, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and forms are
amended and the new Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting
Coordinators are adopted as set forth in the appendix to this opinion. Language
added to the rules is underscored; deleted language is struck through. The
committee notes are offered for explanation only and are not adopted as an official
part of the rules.
The new and amended forms are fully engrossed and ready for use. The
forms may also be accessed and downloaded from the Florida State Courts’
website at www.flcourts.org/resources-and-services/family-courts/family-law-self-
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help-information/family-law-forms.stml. By adoption of the amended forms, we
express no opinion as to their correctness or applicability.
The amended and new rules and forms are effective immediately upon the
release of this opinion.
It is so ordered.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and PERRY, JJ., concur.
FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.
Original Proceedings – The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure
William D. Palmer, Appellate Court Judge, Fifth District Court of Appeal, Chair,
Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy, Daytona Beach,
Florida, and Susan C. Marvin, Senior Staff Attorney, Dispute Resolution Center,
Tallahassee, Florida,
for Petitioner
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APPENDIX
Rule 12.742. Parenting Coordination
(a) [No change]
(b) Qualification Process. Each judicial circuit shall establish a process for
determining that a parenting coordinator is qualified in accordance with the
requirements established in the parenting coordination section of Chapter 61,
Florida Statutes.
(c)(b) Order Referring Parties to Parenting Coordinator. An order referring
the parties to a parenting coordinator must be in substantial compliance with
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.99884(a). The order must
specify the role, responsibility, and authority of the parenting coordinator.
(d)(c) Appointment of Parenting Coordinator. The parties may agree in
writing on a parenting coordinator subject to the court's approval. If the parties
cannot agree on a parenting coordinator, the court shall appoint a parenting
coordinator qualified by law.
(e)(d) Response by Parenting Coordinator. The parenting coordinator must
file a response accepting or declining the appointment in substantial compliance
with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(b).
(f)(e) Term of Service. The term of the parenting coordinator shall be as
specified in the order of appointment or as extended by the court. The initial
term of service shall not exceed two years. The court shall terminate the service
on:
(1) – (2) [No change]
(g) Removal of Parenting Coordinator. The court shall remove the parenting
coordinator if the parenting coordinator becomes disqualified under the
parenting coordination section of Chapter 61, Florida Statutes, or if good cause
is shown.
(h)(f) Appointment of Substitute Parenting Coordinator. If a parenting
coordinator cannot serve or continue to serve, a substitute parenting coordinator
may be chosen in the same manner as the original.
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(i)(g) Authority with Consent. The parenting coordinator may have additional
authority with express written consent. If there has been a history of domestic
violence the court must find that consent has been freely and voluntarily given.
(1) – (3) [No change]
(j)(h) Limitation of Authority. A parenting coordinator shall not have decision
making authority to resolve substantive disputes between the parties. A
dispute is substantive if it would
(1) significantly change the quantity or decrease the quality of time a
child spends with either parent; or
(2) modify parental responsibility.
(1) A parenting coordinator shall not have decision making authority to
resolve substantive disputes between the parties. A dispute is substantive if
it would
(A) significantly change the quantity or decrease the quality of time a
child spends with either parent; or
(B) modify parental responsibility.
(2) A parenting coordinator shall not make a substantive recommendation
concerning parental responsibility or timesharing to the court unless the
court on its own motion or a joint motion of the parties determines that:
(A) there is an emergency as defined by the parenting coordination
section of Chapter 61, Florida Statutes,
(B) the recommendation would be in the best interest of the child,
and
(C) the parties agree that any parenting coordination communications
that may be raised to support or challenge the recommendation of
the parenting coordinator will be permitted.
(k)(i) Emergency Order.
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(1) Consideration by the Court. Upon On the filing of an affidavit or
verified report of an emergency by the parenting coordinator, the court shall
determine whether the facts and circumstances contained in the report
constitute an emergency and whether an emergency order needs to be
entered with or without notice to the parties to prevent or stop furtherance
of the emergency. Except for the entry of an ex parte order in accordance
with (k)(2), the court shall set a hearing with notice to the parties to be held
at the earliest possible time.
(2) – (4) [No change]
(l)(j) Written Communication with Court. The parenting coordinator may
submit a written report or other written communication regarding any
nonconfidential matter to the court. Parenting coordinators are required,
pursuant to the parenting coordination section of Chapter 61, Florida Statutes,
to report certain emergencies to the court without giving notice to the parties.
The parenting coordinator shall use a form in substantial compliance with
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c) when reporting any
emergency to the court, whether or not notice to the parties is required by law.
If the parenting coordinator is unable to adequately perform the duties in
accordance with the court’s direction, the parenting coordinator shall file a
written request for a status conference and the court shall set a timely status
hearing. The parenting coordinator shall use a form in substantial compliance
with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(d) to request a status
conference. When notice to the parties is required, tThe parenting coordinator
must contemporaneously serve each party with a copy of the written
communication.
(m)(k) Testimony and Discovery. A parenting coordinator shall not be called
to testify or be subject to the discovery rules of the Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure unless the court makes a prior finding of good cause. A party must
file a motion, alleging good cause why the court should allow the parenting
coordinator to testify or be subject to discovery. The requesting party shall
serve the motion and notice of hearing on the parenting coordinator. The
requesting party shall initially be responsible for the parenting coordinator's
fees and costs incurred as a result of the motion.
(n) Parenting Coordination Session. A parenting coordination session occurs
when a party and the parenting coordinator communicate with one another. A
parenting coordination session may occur in the presence or with the
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participation of persons in addition to a party and the parenting coordinator.
Unless otherwise directed by the court, the parenting coordinator shall
determine who may be present during each parenting coordination session
including, without limitation, attorneys, parties, and other persons.
Committee Notes
2010 Adoption. The provisions of subdivision (k) do not abrogate the
confidentiality provisions of section 61.125, Florida Statutes. An exception to
confidentiality must apply before invoking this subdivision of the rule.
2014 Revision. Parties are more likely to comply with a parenting plan which has
been voluntarily and mutually self-determined by the parties without undue outside
influence. Courts therefore should consider referring parties to mediation prior to
parenting coordination when a parenting plan has not been agreed to by the parties
or adopted by the court. Courts are also encouraged to review what additional
forms of alternative dispute resolution as well as social, psychological and
educational interventions may best assist the parties in a timely manner. In cases
where parties are referred to a parenting coordinator to adopt or create a parenting
plan, the court should consider whether the parties would be better served by the
court determining certain aspects of the parenting plan (such as parental
responsibility, time sharing schedule, etc.) prior to referral to a parenting
coordinator. New subdivisions (b), (g), (j)(2), (l), and (n) were added and others
were renumbered accordingly.
RULES FOR QUALIFIED AND COURT-APPOINTED PARENTING
COORDINATORS
Part I. STANDARDS
Rule 15.000. Applicability of Standards
These standards apply to all qualified parenting coordinators and court-
appointed parenting coordinators. A qualified parenting coordinator is anyone who
is qualified to serve as a parenting coordinator pursuant to the parenting
coordination section of Chapter 61, Florida Statutes, and has been approved by the
court to serve as a qualified parenting coordinator or to be on a qualified parenting
coordination panel for any circuit.
Rule 15.010. Parenting Coordination Defined
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Parenting coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute resolution
process whereby a parenting coordinator assists the parents in creating or
implementing a parenting plan by facilitating the resolution of disputes between
the parents by providing education, making recommendations, and, with the prior
approval of the parents and the court, making limited decisions within the scope of
the court's order of referral. For the purposes of these standards, “parent” refers to
the child’s mother, father, legal guardian, or other person who is acting as a parent
and guardian.
Rule 15.020. Parenting Coordination Concepts
Parenting coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute resolution
process that emphasizes the needs and interests of children, parents and families. It
is based on the concepts of communication, education, negotiation, facilitation, and
problem-solving. The role of a parenting coordinator includes the integration of
skills and core knowledge drawn primarily from the areas of mental health, law,
and conflict resolution.
Rule 15.030. Competence
(a) Professional Competence. Parenting coordinators shall acquire and
maintain professional competence in parenting coordination. A parenting
coordinator shall regularly participate in educational activities promoting
professional growth.
(b) Circumstances Affecting Role. Parenting coordinators shall withdraw from
the parenting coordination role if circumstances arise which impair the
parenting coordinators’ competency.
(c) Skill and Experience. A parenting coordinator shall decline an
appointment, withdraw, or request appropriate assistance when the facts and
circumstances of the case are beyond the parenting coordinator’s skill or
experience.
(d) Knowledge. A parenting coordinator shall maintain knowledge of all
current statutes, court rules, local court rules, and court and administrative
orders relevant to the parenting coordination process.
Rule 15.040. Integrity
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(a) Avoiding Dual Relationships. A parenting coordinator shall not accept the
role of parenting coordinator if there has been a prior personal, professional or
business relationship with the parties or their family members. A parenting
coordinator shall not enter into a personal, professional or business relationship
with the parties or their family members during the parenting coordination
process or for a reasonable time after the parenting coordination process has
concluded.
(b) Respect for Diversity. Parenting coordinators shall not allow their personal
values, morals, or religious beliefs to undermine or influence the parenting
coordination process or their efforts to assist the parents and children. If the
parenting coordinator has personal, moral, or religious beliefs that will interfere
with the process or the parenting coordinator’s respect for persons involved in
the parenting coordination process, the parenting coordinator shall decline the
appointment or withdraw from the process.
(c) Inappropriate Activity. Parenting coordinators shall not engage in any
form of harassment or exploitation of parents, children, students, trainees,
supervisees, employees, or colleagues.
(d) Misrepresentation. A parenting coordinator shall not intentionally or
knowingly misrepresent any material fact or circumstance in the course of
conducting a parenting coordination process.
(e) Demeanor. A parenting coordinator shall be patient, dignified, and
courteous during the parenting coordination process.
(f) Maintaining Integrity. A parenting coordinator shall not accept any
engagement, provide any service, or perform any act that would compromise
the parenting coordinator's integrity.
(g) Avoiding Coercion. A parenting coordinator shall not unfairly influence the
parties as a means to achieve a desired result.
Committee Notes
Any sexual relationship between a parenting coordinator and a party or a
party’s family member is a form of exploitation and creates a dual relationship and
therefore would be considered a violation of these standards.
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A parenting coordinator may at times direct a party’s conduct. An example
is when a parenting coordinator encourages compliance with a parenting plan by
pointing out possible consequences of a party’s course of action. However, the
means to direct behavior should not include unfairly influencing the parties.
Examples of unfairly influencing the parties include lying to the parties or
exaggerating the parenting coordinator’s power to influence the court.
Rule 15.050. Advice, Recommendations, and Information
(a) Informing Parties of Risks. Prior to a parenting coordinator making
substantive recommendations to the parties regarding timesharing and parental
responsibilities, the parenting coordinator should inform the parties of the
inherent risk of making substantive recommendations without adequate data.
(b) Right to Independent Counsel. When a parenting coordinator believes a
party does not understand or appreciate the party’s legal rights or obligations,
the parenting coordinator shall advise the party of the right to seek independent
legal counsel.
Rule 15.060. Impartiality
(a) Freedom from Favoritism and Bias. A parenting coordinator shall
conduct the parenting coordination process in an impartial manner. Impartiality
means freedom from favoritism or bias in word, action, and appearance.
(b) Disclosure. A parenting coordinator shall advise all parties of
circumstances which may impact impartiality including but not limited to
potential conflicts of interest bearing on possible bias, prejudice, or impartiality.
(c) Influence. A parenting coordinator shall not be influenced by outside
pressure, bias, fear of criticism, or self-interest.
(d) Gifts. A parenting coordinator shall not give, accept or request a gift, favor,
loan, or other item of value to or from a party, attorney, or any other person
involved in and arising from any parenting coordination process.
(e) Prohibited Relationships. After accepting appointment, and for a
reasonable period of time after the parenting coordination process has
concluded, a parenting coordinator shall avoid entering into family, business, or
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personal relationships which could affect impartiality or give the appearance of
partiality, bias, or influence.
(f) Withdrawal. A parenting coordinator shall withdraw from a parenting
coordination process if the parenting coordinator can no longer be impartial.
Rule 15.070. Conflicts of Interest
(a) Generally. A parenting coordinator shall not serve as a parenting
coordinator in a matter that presents a clear or undisclosed conflict of interest.
A conflict of interest arises when any relationship between the parenting
coordinator and the parenting coordination participants or the subject matter of
the dispute compromises or appears to compromise the parenting coordinator’s
impartiality.
(b) Disclosure. The burden of disclosure rests on the parenting coordinator.
All such disclosures shall be made as soon as practical after the parenting
coordinator becomes aware of the interest or relationship. After appropriate
disclosure, the parenting coordinator may serve if all parties agree. However, if
a conflict of interest clearly impairs a parenting coordinator's impartiality, the
parenting coordinator shall withdraw regardless of the express agreement of the
parties.
(c) Solicitation Prohibited. A parenting coordinator shall not use the parenting
coordination process to solicit, encourage, or otherwise incur future
professional services with any party.
Committee Notes
The parenting coordination process may take place over a long period of
time. Therefore, the parenting coordinator may initially accept an appointment
where a potential conflict does not exist, but arises during the course of the
parenting coordination process.
The disclosure requirements in this subdivision do not abrogate subdivision
15.040 (a) which prohibits a parenting coordinator from accepting the role of
parenting coordinator if there has been a prior personal, professional or business
relationship with the parties’ or their family members. It is intended to address
situations in which the conflict arises after the acceptance of appointment and
encourage the timely disclosure to the parties.
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Rule 15.080. Scheduling the Parenting Coordination Process
A parenting coordinator shall schedule parenting coordination sessions in a manner
that provides adequate time for the process. A parenting coordinator shall perform
parenting coordination services in a timely fashion, avoiding delays whenever
possible.
Rule 15.090. Compliance with Authority
A parenting coordinator shall comply with all statutes, court rules, local
court rules, and court and administrative orders relevant to the parenting
coordination process.
Rule 15.100. Improper Influence
A parenting coordinator shall refrain from any activity that has the
appearance of improperly influencing a court to secure an appointment to a case.
Rule 15.110. Marketing Practices
(a) False or Misleading Marketing Practices. A parenting coordinator shall
not engage in any marketing practice, including advertising, which contains
false or misleading information. A parenting coordinator shall ensure that any
marketing of the parenting coordinator’s qualifications, services to be rendered,
or the parenting coordination process is accurate and honest.
(b) Qualification. Any marketing practice in which a parenting coordinator
indicates that such parenting coordinator is “qualified” is misleading unless the
parenting coordinator indicates the Florida judicial circuits in which the
parenting coordinator has been qualified.
(c) Prior Adjudicative Experience. Any marketing practice is misleading if
the parenting coordinator states or implies that prior adjudicative experience,
including, but not limited to, service as a judge, magistrate, or administrative
hearing officer, makes one a better or more qualified parenting coordinator.
(d) Prohibited Claims or Promises. A parenting coordinator shall not make
claims of achieving specific outcomes or promises implying favoritism for the
purpose of obtaining business.
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(e) Additional Prohibited Marketing Practices. A parenting coordinator
shall not engage in any marketing practice that diminishes the importance of a
party’s right to self-determination or the impartiality of the parenting
coordinator, or that demeans the dignity of the parenting coordination process
or the judicial system.
Committee Note
The roles of a parenting coordinator and an adjudicator are fundamentally
distinct. The integrity of the judicial system may be impugned when the prestige
of the judicial office is used for commercial purposes. When engaging in any
parenting coordinator marketing practice, a former adjudicative officer should not
lend the prestige of the judicial office to advance private interests in a manner
inconsistent with this rule. For example, the depiction of a parenting coordinator
in judicial robes or use of the word “judge” with or without modifiers to the
parenting coordinator’s name would be inappropriate. However, an accurate
representation of the parenting coordinator’s judicial experience would not be
inappropriate.
Rule 15.120. Concurrent Standards
Other ethical standards to which a parenting coordinator may be
professionally bound are not abrogated by these rules. In the course of performing
parenting coordination services, however, these rules prevail over any conflicting
ethical standards to which a parenting coordinator may otherwise be bound.
Rule 15.130. Relationship with Other Professionals
A parenting coordinator shall respect the role of other professional
disciplines in the parenting coordination process and shall promote cooperation
between parenting coordinators and other professionals.
Rule 15.140. Confidentiality
(a) Preservation of Confidentiality. A parenting coordinator shall maintain
confidentiality of all communications made by, between, or among the parties
and the parenting coordinator except when disclosure is required or permitted
by law or court order. The parenting coordinator shall maintain confidentiality
of all records developed or obtained during the parenting coordination process
in accordance with law or court order.
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(b) Use of Materials for Educational Purposes. A parenting coordinator shall
not disclose the identity of the parents, children, or other persons involved in
the parenting coordination process when information is used in teaching,
writing, consulting, research, and public presentations.
(c) Record Keeping. A parenting coordinator shall maintain privacy in the
storage and disposal of records and shall not disclose any identifying
information when materials are used for research, training, or statistical
compilations.
Rule 15.150. Notice and Initial Session
(a) Notice of Fees. Prior to an initial meeting with the parties in a parenting
coordination session, the parenting coordinator shall provide written notice of
all fees, costs, methods of payment and collection.
(b) Initial Session. At the initial session a parenting coordinator shall, in
person, describe the terms of the Order of Referral, if any, and inform the
participants in writing of the following:
(1) the parenting coordination process, the role of the parenting coordinator
and the prohibition against dual roles;
(2) parenting coordination is an alternative dispute resolution process
wherein a parenting coordinator assists parents in creating or implementing
a parenting plan;
(3) the parenting coordinator may provide education and make
recommendations to the parties, and, with prior approval of the parents and
the court, make non-substantive decisions;
(4) communications made during the parenting coordination session are
confidential, except where disclosure is required or permitted by law;
(5) all fees, costs, methods of payment, and collections related to the
parenting coordination process;
(6) the court’s role in overseeing the parenting coordination process,
including a party’s right to seek court intervention;
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(7) the party’s right to seek legal advice; and
(8) the extent to which parties are required to participate in the parenting
coordination process.
Rule 15.160. Fees and Costs
A parenting coordinator holds a position of trust. Fees shall be reasonable and be
guided by the following general principles:
(a) Changes in Fees, Costs, or Payments. Once services have begun,
parenting coordinators shall provide advance written notice of any changes in
fees or other charges.
(b) Maintenance of Financial Records. Parenting coordinators shall maintain
the records necessary to support charges for services and expenses, and, upon
request, shall make an accounting to the parents, their counsel, or the court.
(c) Equitable Service. Parenting coordinators shall provide the same quality of
service to all parties regardless of the amount of each party’s financial
contribution.
(d) Basis for Charges. Charges for parenting coordination services based on
time shall not exceed actual time spent or allocated.
(e) Costs. Charges for costs shall be for those actually incurred.
(f) Expenses. When time or expenses involve two or more parenting
coordination processes on the same day or trip, the time and expense charges
shall be prorated appropriately.
(g) Written Explanation of Fees. A parenting coordinator shall give the
parties and their counsel a written explanation of any fees and costs prior to the
parenting coordination process. The explanation shall include the:
(1) basis for and amount of any charges for services to be rendered,
including minimum fees and travel time;
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(2) amount charged for the postponement or cancellation of parenting
coordination sessions and the circumstances under which such charges will
be assessed or waived;
(3) basis and amount of charges for any other items; and
(4) parties’ pro rata share of the parenting coordinator's fees and costs if
previously determined by the court or agreed to by the parties.
(h) Maintenance of Records. A parenting coordinator shall maintain records
necessary to support charges for services and expenses and, upon request, shall
make an accounting to the parties, their counsel, or the court.
(i) Remuneration for Referrals. No commissions, rebates, or similar
remuneration shall be given or received by a parenting coordinator for a
parenting coordination referral.
(j) Contingency Fees Prohibited. A parenting coordinator shall not charge a
contingent fee or base a fee on the outcome of the process.
Rule 15.170. Records
(a) Documentation of Parenting Coordination Process. Parenting
coordinators shall maintain all information and documents related to the
parenting coordination process.
(b) Record Retention. Parenting coordinators shall maintain confidentiality
and comply with applicable law when storing and disposing of parenting
coordination records.
(c) Relocation or Closing the Parenting Coordination Practice. A parenting
coordinator shall provide public notice of intent to relocate or close his or her
practice. The notification shall include instructions on how parties’ may obtain
a copy of their records or arrange for their records to be transferred.
Rule 15.180. Safety, Capacity, and Protection
(a) Monitoring. Parenting coordinators shall monitor the process for domestic
violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues and take appropriate action to
address any safety concerns.
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(b) Injunctions for Protection. Parenting coordinators shall honor the terms
of all active injunctions for protection and shall not seek to modify the terms of
an injunction.
(c) Terminating Process Based on Safety Concerns. Parenting coordinators
shall suspend the process and notify the court when the parenting coordinator
determines it is unsafe to continue.
(d) Adjournment or Termination. A parenting coordinator shall adjourn or
terminate a parenting coordination process if any party is incapable of
participating meaningfully in the process.
Rule 15. 190. Education and Training
Parenting coordinators shall comply with any statutory, rule or court
requirements relative to qualifications, training, and education.
Rule 15. 200. Responsibility to the Courts
(a) Candid with Referring Court. Parenting coordinators shall be candid,
accurate, and responsive to the court concerning the parenting coordinators’
qualifications, availability and other administrative matters.
(b) Providing Information to the Court. When parenting coordinators
provide information to the court, parenting coordinators shall do so in a manner
that is consistent with court rules and statutes. Parenting coordinators shall
notify the referring court when the court orders conflict with the parenting
coordinator’s professional ethical responsibilities. Parenting coordinators shall
notify the court when it is appropriate to terminate the process. A parenting
coordinator shall be candid, accurate, and fully responsive to the court
concerning the parenting coordinator’s qualifications, availability, and other
administrative matters.
Part II. DISCIPLINE
Rule 15.210. Procedure
Any complaint alleging violations of the Rules For Qualified And Court-
Appointed Parenting Coordinators, Part I: STANDARDS, shall be filed with the
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Dispute Resolution Center which shall be responsible for enforcing these
Standards.
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No: ________________________
Division: ________________________
_________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
_________________________________,
Respondent.
ORDER OF REFERRAL TO PARENTING COORDINATOR
The Court considered the ( ) motion of the court, ( ) joint motion of the parties, ( ) motion of a
party, reviewed the court file, and considered the testimony presented. Based upon this information, the
court FINDS that:
A. Appropriateness of Process. This matter is appropriate for parenting coordination and it is in the best
interest of the child(ren).
B. Parenting Coordination Process. Parenting coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute
resolution process whereby a parenting coordinator assists the parents in creating or implementing
their parenting plan by facilitating the resolution of disputes, providing education and making
recommendations to the parents; and, with the prior consent of the parents and approval of the court,
making limited decisions within the scope of this order of referral.
C. Parenting Coordinator. A parenting coordinator is an impartial third person whose role is to assist
the parents in successfully creating or implementing a parenting plan.
D. Selection of Parenting Coordinator. The parenting coordinator was selected by:
[Choose only one]
____ parties' agreement.
____ the court.
E. History of Domestic Violence. Based on testimony and evidence presented and a review of related
court records, the court has determined:
[Choose all that apply]
____ There is no history of domestic violence.
____ There has been a history of domestic violence, and:
1. ____ Each party has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney or domestic violence advocate
before this court has accepted the parties’ consent; and
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a), Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
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2. ____ Each party has consented to this referral and the consent has been given freely and
voluntarily.
It is therefore, ORDERED:
1. Parenting Coordinator. The parties are referred to the following parenting coordinator for an
initial period of _______months:
Name: ___________________________________
Address: __________________________________
__________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________
Fax Number: _______________________________
Email: _____________________________________
a. The parenting coordinator shall file a response to this Order within 30 days either accepting
or declining the appointment. The response to the appointment must be in substantial
compliance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(b).
b. The parties or their attorneys must provide to the parenting coordinator copies of all
pleadings and orders related to domestic violence and any other pleadings and orders
requested by the parenting coordinator related to parenting coordination.
2. Meetings. Unless prohibited herein as a domestic violence safeguard or by another court order,
the parenting coordinator may meet with the parties and/or child(ren) together or separately, in
person or by any electronic means.
3. Domestic Violence Safeguards. The parties shall adhere to all provisions of any injunction for
protection or conditions of bail, probation, or a sentence arising from criminal proceedings. In
addition to any safety measures the parenting coordinator deems necessary, the following
domestic violence safeguards must be implemented:
[Choose all that apply]
____ None are necessary.
____ No joint meetings
____ No direct negotiations
____ No direct communications
____ Other: ____________________________________________________________________
4. Role, Responsibility, and Authority of Parenting Coordinator. The parenting coordinator shall
have the following role, responsibility, and authority:
a. Assisting the parents in creating and implementing a parenting plan.
b. Facilitating the resolution of disputes regarding the creation or implementation of the
Parenting Plan.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a), Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
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c. Recommending to the parents strategies for creating or implementing the Parenting Plan.
Such recommendations may include that one or both parents avail themselves of accessible
and appropriate community resources, including, but not limited to, random drug screens,
parenting classes, and individual psychotherapy or family counseling, if there is a history or
evidence that such referrals are appropriate.
d. Recommending to the parents changes to the Parenting Plan.
e. Educating the parties to effectively:
i. Parent in a manner that minimizes conflicts;
ii. Communicate and negotiate with each other and their child(ren);
iii. Develop and apply appropriate parenting skills;
iv. Understand principles of child development and issues facing child(ren) when their
parents no longer live together;
v. Disengage from the other parent when engagement leads to conflicts and non-
cooperation;
vi. Identify the sources of their conflict with each other and work jointly to minimize
conflict and lessen its deleterious effects on the child(ren); and,
vii. Allow the child(ren) to grow up free from the threat of being caught in the middle of
their parents’ disputes.
f. Reporting or communicating with the court concerning nonconfidential matters as provided
in paragraph 6 of this Order. In the event the parenting coordinator is unable to adequately
perform the duties in accordance with the court’s direction, the parenting coordinator shall
file a written request for a status conference and the court shall set a timely status hearing.
The request for status conference must be in substantial compliance with Florida Family Law
Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(d). A report to the court of an emergency pursuant to section
61.125(8), Florida Statutes, must be in substantial compliance with Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.984(c).
g. Communicating with the parties and their child(ren), separately or together, in person or by
telephone, unless otherwise prohibited by court order or applicable law.
5. Fees and Costs for Parenting Coordination.
[Choose all that apply]
a. ____ The parties have consented to this referral to parenting coordination.
____ This order is without the consent of the parties, but the court has determined that the
parties have the financial ability to pay the parenting coordination fees and costs.
b. ____The court allocates payment of fees and costs for parenting coordination as follows:
Hourly rate of compensation shall not exceed $___________, unless the parties
otherwise agree.
____ % shall be paid by the Father.
____ % shall be paid by the Mother.
____ Other: _________________________________________________________________
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a), Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
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If a party causes the parenting coordinator to expend an unreasonable and unnecessary amount
of time, that party may be held solely responsible for payment of the parenting coordinator’s fees
and costs for such time expended, and the court reserves jurisdiction to reallocate the payment
of fees and costs in that event. Failure to pay the parenting coordinator’s fees and costs in a
timely manner may subject the party to sanctions for contempt of court.
6. Confidentiality. All communications made by, between, or among the parties and the parenting
coordinator during parenting coordination sessions are confidential. The parenting coordinator
and each party may not testify or offer evidence about communications made by a party or the
parenting coordinator during the parenting coordination sessions, except if:
a. Necessary to identify, authenticate, confirm, or deny a written agreement entered into by the
parties during parenting coordination.
b. The testimony or evidence is necessary to identify an issue for resolution by the court without
otherwise disclosing communications made by any party or the parenting coordinator.
c. The testimony or evidence is limited to the subject of a party's compliance with this Order of
Referral to Parenting Coordinator, orders for psychological evaluation, counseling ordered by
the court or recommended by a health care provider, or for substance abuse testing or
treatment.
d. The parenting coordinator reports that the case is no longer appropriate for parenting
coordination.
e. The parenting coordinator reports that he or she is unable or unwilling to continue to serve
and that a successor parenting coordinator should be appointed.
f. The testimony or evidence is necessary pursuant to section 61.125(5)(b) or section 61.125(8),
Florida Statutes.
g. The parenting coordinator is not qualified to address or resolve certain issues in the case and
a more qualified coordinator should be appointed.
h. The parties agree that the testimony or evidence be permitted.
i. The testimony or evidence is necessary to protect any person from future acts that would
constitute domestic violence under Chapter 741, Florida Statutes; child abuse, neglect, or
abandonment under Chapter 39, Florida Statutes; or abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an
elderly or disabled adult under Chapter 825, Florida Statutes.
7. Agreement on Nonconfidentiality. The parties can agree to waive confidentiality of a specific
communication or all communications. The waiver must be in writing, signed by the parties and
their respective counsel. The waiver shall be filed with the court and a copy served on the
parenting coordinator. Either party may revoke their waiver of confidentiality by providing written
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a), Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
- 25 -
notice signed by that party. The revocation shall be filed with the court and a copy served on the
other party and the parenting coordinator.
8. Scheduling. Each party shall contact the parenting coordinator within 10 days of the date of this
Order to schedule the first appointment. The parenting coordinator shall determine the schedule
for subsequent appointments.
9. Stipulation. Any written stipulation of parties to utilize the parenting coordination process filed
with this court is incorporated into this Order.
ORDERED ON {date} __________________________.
________________________________
CIRCUIT JUDGE
Copies to:
_____Petitioner
_____Attorney for Petitioner
_____Respondent
_____Attorney for Respondent
_____Other:_________________________________
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a), Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.984(b)
RESPONSE BY PARENTING COORDINATOR (07/14)
When should this form be used?
A person appointed as a parenting coordinator must accept or decline the appointment under
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742(e). If you accept the appointment, you must
complete paragraphs 1(a) and 2 and sign it. If you decline the appointment, you must complete
only paragraph 1(b) and sign the form. This form should be typed or printed in black ink.
Important Consideration Before Responding.
A Qualified Parenting Coordinator or other licensed mental health professional under Chapter
490 or 491, Florida Statutes, shall abide by the ethical and other professional standards imposed
by his or her licensing authority, certification board, or both, as applicable.
A person who is not a Qualified Parenting Coordinator or a licensed mental health professional
under Chapter 490 or 491, Florida Statutes, shall not accept an appointment to serve as
parenting coordinator in a matter that presents an apparent or undisclosed conflict of interest.
A conflict of interest arises when any relationship between the parenting coordinator and either
party compromises or appears to compromise the parenting coordinator’s ability to serve. The
burden of disclosure of any potential conflict of interest rests on the parenting coordinator.
Disclosure shall be made as soon as practical after the parenting coordinator becomes aware of
the potential conflict of interest. If a parenting coordinator makes an appropriate disclosure of
a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest, he or she may serve if all parties agree.
However, if a conflict of interest substantially impairs a parenting coordinator's ability to serve,
the parenting coordinator shall decline the appointment or withdraw regardless of the express
agreement of the parties.
A parenting coordinator shall not provide any services to either party that would impair the
parenting coordinator's ability to be neutral.
What should I do next?
After completing and signing this form, you must file the original with the clerk of the circuit
court in the county in which the action is pending and keep a copy for your records.
You must mail or hand-deliver a copy of this form to the attorney(s) for the parents or, if not
represented by an attorney, to the parents.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants”
found at the beginning of these forms. For more information, see section 61.125, Florida
Statutes; Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742; Rules for Qualified and Court Appointed
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(b), Response by Parenting
Coordinator (07/14)
- 27 -
Parenting Coordinators; and the Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator, Florida Family Law
Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a).
Special notes
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill
out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family
Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill
out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom
of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(b), Response by Parenting
Coordinator (07/14)
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No: ________________________
Division: ________________________
_________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
_________________________________,
Respondent.
RESPONSE BY PARENTING COORDINATOR
I, {name}_________________________________________notify the Court and affirm the
following:
1. Acceptance.
[Choose only one]
a. ____ I accept the appointment as parenting coordinator.
b. ____ I decline the appointment as parenting coordinator.
2. Qualifications.
[Choose only one]
a. ____ I meet the qualifications in section 61.125(4), Florida Statutes.
b. ____ I do not meet the qualifications in section 61.125(4), Florida Statutes. However, the parties
have chosen me by mutual consent and I believe I can perform the services of a parenting
coordinator because: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. I am not aware of any conflict, circumstance, or reason that renders me unable to serve as the
parenting coordinator in this matter and I will immediately inform the court and the parties if such
arises.
4. I understand my role, responsibility, and authority under the Order of Referral to Parenting
Coordinator, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a); section 61.125, Florida Statutes;
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742; and Rules for Qualified and Court Appointed Parenting
Coordinators.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(b), Response by Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
- 29 -
I hereby affirm the truth of the statements in this acceptance and understand that if I make any false
representations in this acceptance, I am subject to sanctions by the Court.
_____________________ _____________________________________________
Date Signature of Parenting Coordinator
Printed Name:_________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________
Telephone Number: ____________________________
E-mail:________________________________________
Professional License # (if applicable) _______________
Professional Certification # (if applicable) ____________
Copies to:
_____Petitioner
_____Attorney for Petitioner
_____Respondent
_____Attorney for Respondent
_____Other: _______________________________
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks] This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual} ___________________________________________________________________,
{name of business}_____________________________________________________________________,
{address} ____________________________________________________________________________,
{city} ______________________,{state} __________,{telephone number} ________________________.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(b), Response by Parenting Coordinator (07/14)
30
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.984(c)
PARENTING COORDINATOR REPORT OF AN EMERGENCY (07/14)
When should this form be used?
A person appointed as a parenting coordinator must immediately inform the court of an
emergency situation pursuant to section 61.125(8), Florida Statutes. This form is used by the
parenting coordinator to report an emergency with or without notice to the parties. It is critical
to differentiate whether notice to the parties is required under the facts of any emergency.
Report With Notice. A parenting coordinator, upon information and belief, must immediately
inform the court by affidavit or verified report of an emergency in which a party obtains a final
order or injunction of protection against domestic violence or is arrested for an act of domestic
violence as provided under chapter 741, Florida Statutes.
Report Without Notice. A parenting coordinator must immediately inform the court by affidavit
or verified report of an emergency situation if:
1. There is a reasonable cause to suspect that a child will suffer or is suffering abuse, neglect, or
abandonment as provided under chapter 39, Florida Statutes;
2. There is a reasonable cause to suspect a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused,
neglected, or exploited as provided under chapter 415, Florida Statutes;
3. A party, or someone acting on a party’s behalf, is expected to wrongfully remove or is
wrongfully removing the child from the jurisdiction of the court without prior court approval
or compliance with the requirements of section 61.13001, Florida Statutes. If the parenting
coordinator suspects that the parent has relocated within the state to avoid domestic
violence, the coordinator may not disclose the location of the parent and child unless required
by court order.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.
What should I do next?
After completing and signing this form, you must file the original with the clerk of the circuit court
in the county in which the action is pending, provide a copy to the presiding judge, and keep a
copy for your records.
Report With Notice. If notice to the parties is required under section 61.125(8)(b), Florida
Statutes, you must also mail or hand deliver a copy of this form to attorney(s) for the parents or,
if not represented by an attorney, to the parents.
Report Without Notice. If notice to the parties is not required, you must mail or hand-deliver a
copy of this form to the Judge presiding over the case.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c), Parenting Coordinator Report of an
Emergency (07/14)
- 31 -
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found
at the beginning of these forms. For more information, see section 61.125, Florida Statutes;
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742; Rules for Qualified and Court Appointed Parenting
Coordinators; and the Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.984(a).
Special notes
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill
out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family
Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill
out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of
the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c), Parenting Coordinator Report of an
Emergency (07/14)
- 32 -
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No: ________________________
Division: ________________________
_________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
_________________________________,
Respondent.
PARENTING COORDINATOR REPORT OF AN EMERGENCY
The undersigned parenting coordinator reports an emergency to the court:
1. _____ With notice to the parties. A party has obtained a final order or injunction of protection
against domestic violence or has been arrested for an act of domestic violence as provided
under chapter 741, F.S.
2. _____ Without notice to the parties pursuant to section 61.125 (8)(a), Florida Statutes, because:
(choose all that apply)
a. _____ There is a reasonable cause to suspect that a child will suffer or is suffering abuse,
neglect, or abandonment as provided under chapter 39, Florida Statutes.
b. _____ There is a reasonable cause to suspect a vulnerable adult has or is being abused,
neglected, or exploited as provided under chapter 415, Florida Statutes.
c. _____ A party, or someone acting on a party’s behalf, is expected to wrongfully remove or is
wrongfully removing the child from the jurisdiction of the court without prior approval
or compliance with the requirements of section 61.13001, Florida Statutes.
3. Describe the emergency: ____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.
VERIFICATION BY PARENTING COORDINATOR
I, _______________________________________________ (name of parenting coordinator) do hereby
swear or affirm that the facts contained in this Parenting Coordinator Report of an Emergency are true
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c), Parenting Coordinator Report of an Emergency (07/14)
- 33 -
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
_____________________ _________________________________________________
Date Signature of Parenting Coordinator
Printed Name: ____________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________
E-mail: __________________________________________
Professional License # (if applicable) _________________
Professional Certification # (if applicable) _____________
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF ______________________
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on __________________ by _________________________.
_____________________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK
_____________________________________________
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or
deputy clerk.]
_______ Personally known
_______ Produced identification
Type of identification produced ___________________________________________________
Copies to:
_____Presiding Judge
_____Petitioner
_____ Attorney for Petitioner
_____ Respondent
_____ Attorney for Respondent
_____ Other: ____________________________________________________
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:
[fill in all blanks] This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual} _____________________________________________________________,
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c), Parenting Coordinator Report of an Emergency (07/14)
- 34 -
{name of business} _______________________________________________________________,
{address} ______________________________________________________________________,
{city} ____________________,{state} ______________,{telephone number} __________________.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(c), Parenting Coordinator Report of an Emergency (07/14)
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE
FORM 12.984(d)
PARENTING COORDINATOR REQUEST FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
(07/14)
When should this form be used?
A person appointed as a parenting coordinator may request a status conference with the judge and parties
under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742(l). This form is used when the parenting coordinator
is unable to adequately perform the duties in accordance with the court’s direction.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.
What should I do next?
After completing and signing this form, you must file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the
county in which the action is pending, provide a copy to the presiding judge, and keep a copy for your
records.
You must mail or hand-deliver a copy of this form to the attorney(s) for the parents or, if not represented
by an attorney, to the parents.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the
beginning of these forms. For more information, see section 61.125, Florida Statutes; Florida Family Law
Rule of Procedure 12.742; Rules for Qualified and Court Appointed Parenting Coordinators; and the Order
of Referral to Parenting Coordinator, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(a).
Special notes
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every
form he or she helps you complete.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(d) Parenting Coordinator Request for Status
Conference (07/14)
- 36 -
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No: ________________________
Division: ________________________
_________________________________,
Petitioner,
and
_________________________________,
Respondent.
PARENTING COORDINATOR REQUEST FOR STATUS CONFERENCE
The undersigned Parenting Coordinator requests a status conference in this case:
(choose all that apply)
1. _____ To request direction from the court concerning: ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.
2. _____ To request resolution by the court regarding: _______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________.
3. _____ To report ____ petitioner’s____ respondent’s noncompliance with the Order of Referral to
Parenting Coordinator, orders for psychological evaluation, counseling ordered by the court
or recommended by a health care provider, or for substance abuse testing or treatment.
4. _____ To report that the case is no longer appropriate for parenting coordination.
5. _____ To report that the undersigned parenting coordinator is not qualified to address or resolve
certain issues in this case and a more qualified successor parenting coordinator should be
appointed.
6. _____ The undersigned parenting coordinator is unable or unwilling to continue to serve and a
successor parenting coordinator should be appointed.
WHEREFORE, the undersigned Parenting Coordinator requests that a Status Conference be set
by the Court.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(d) Parenting Coordinator Request for Status Conference
(07/14)
- 37 -
_____________________ _________________________________________________
Date Signature of Parenting Coordinator
Printed Name: ____________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________
E-mail: __________________________________________
Professional License # (if applicable) ___________________
Professional Certification # (if applicable) _______________
Copies to:
_____ Presiding Judge
_____ Petitioner
_____ Attorney for Petitioner
_____ Respondent
_____ Attorney for Respondent
_____ Other: ____________________________________________________
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill
in all blanks] This form was completed with the assistance of:
{name of individual} __________________________________________________________________,
{name of business} ____________________________________________________________________,
{address} ____________________________________________________________________________,
{city} __________________________,{state} ______________,{telephone number} ________________.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984(d) Parenting Coordinator Request for Status Conference
(07/14)
- 38 -
