Parenting Coordinator Requirements
A parenting coordinator is required 72 hours of training unless waived by the court as detailed below. According to Sec. 153.610 of the Texas Family Code, the qualifications of a parenting coordinator are:
- The court shall determine the required qualifications of a parenting coordinator, provided that a parenting coordinator must have experience working in a field relating to families, have practical experience with high-conflict cases or litigation between parents, and:
- hold at least: (A) a bachelor's degree in counseling, education, family studies,
psychology, or social work; or (B) a graduate degree in a mental health profession, with an
emphasis in family and children's issues; or (2) be licensed in good standing as an attorney in this state. (b) In addition to the qualifications prescribed by Subsection (a), a parenting
coordinator must complete at least: - 8 hours of family violence dynamics training provided by a family
violence service provider; - 40 classroom hours of training in dispute resolution techniques in a
course conducted by an alternative dispute resolution system or other dispute resolution
organization approved by the court; and - 24 classroom hours of training in the fields of family dynamics, child development, family law and the law governing parenting coordination, and parenting coordination styles and procedures.
- In appropriate circumstances, a court may, with the agreement of the
parties, appoint a person as parenting coordinator who does not satisfy the
requirements of Subsection (a) or Subsection (b)(2) or (3) if the court finds that the
person has sufficient legal or other professional training or experience in dispute
resolution processes to serve in that capacity.