Parenting Issues

Special Master (also known as a Parenting Coordinator) is appointed to resolve parenting conflicts after a divorce or dissolution of a domestic partnership. As a neutral party, she creates a child-centered environment and advocates for the child.

The court appoints a Special Master after both parents have signed a stipulation agreeing to the appointment. The stipulation outlines the limits of the Special Master’s powers and the duration of the appointment. Typically both parents share the fees of the Special Master.

The Special Master will attempt to help the parents come to a mutually satisfactory resolution in conflict areas. If a resolution is not reached, she has the parents’ signed stipulation giving her the power to make orders, or in some cases to make a recommendation to the court regarding the unresolved issue(s).

Financial Issues

A Special Master can also be appointed by agreement to resolve one-time or recurring financial issues, such as support modification, bonus allocations, stock or option allocations, and resolution of disagreements about the meaning of language in a Marital Settlement Agreement or Judgment.

Advantages of Special Master

The most important reason to appoint a Parenting Coordinator is simple: Children who live with post-divorce situations full of conflict are more likely to have significant emotional and/or behavioral problems. A Special Master arbitrates disputes to maintain calm for the children.

Appointment of a Special Master for any issue can provide faster and more economical access to decisions, as you do not need to file formal court papers and wait for an available court date to resolve conflicts.

Also vital is to remember that a Special Master is a trained impartial professional with the expertise to help you to make your and your children’s life better with less conflict. You will be in a supportive environment where you can freely express your concerns. As issues are resolved, the frequency of needing the Special Master usually diminishes. The process is informative and will teach parents how to deal with possible future conflicts in a proactive manner. But when there is disagreement, an answer will be provided after careful consideration.