HB 2118 -- Appointment of Parenting Coordinators

Sponsor:  Yaeger

This bill authorizes the court to appoint a parenting coordinator
as a neutral third party to assist in the resolution of disputes
between parents regarding the implementation of court-ordered
parenting plans.  Either party to a dissolution may object to the
appointment of the parenting coordinator unless the court makes
specific findings that the dissolution is a high-conflict case
and the appointment is in the best interest of the child.  The
parenting coordinator will serve for a specified period of time
but not more than two years and have binding authority to resolve
disputes between the parents regarding the implementation or
clarification of existing orders concerning the minor or
dependent children including, but not limited to, disputes
concerning parenting time and specific parental decisions.  The
bill also prohibits the parenting coordinator from making any
modification to any order, judgment, or decree of the court.  The
court may order fees to be paid by the parties, but will not
appoint a coordinator if it finds the parties do not have the
means to pay the fees.  Parenting coordinators will be immune
from civil or criminal liability in any claim that arises out of
an act or omission of the coordinator during the performance of
his or her duties unless the act or omission causing injury was
willful or wanton.

Any parenting coordinator appointed by a court must be a licensed
mental health professional or a licensed attorney and be
qualified under the Missouri Supreme Court rules governing family
mediation.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm