Rule 16.63 - Responsibilities of Parenting Coordinator(A)General responsibilitiesIn order to provide a fair parenting coordination process for the parties, a parenting coordinator shall comply with the "2019 Revised Guidelines for Parenting Coordination" developed by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Task Force on Parenting Coordination. Wherever a conflict exists between the guidelines and Sup.R. 16.60 through 16.66, the rules shall control.
(B)Conflicts of interest(1) A parenting coordinator shall avoid any actual or apparent conflicts of interest arising from any relationship activity, including but not limited to those of employment or business or from professional or personal contacts with parties or others involved in the case. A parenting coordinator shall avoid self-dealing or associations from which the parenting coordinator may directly or indirectly benefit except from compensation for services as a parenting coordinator.(2) Upon becoming aware of any actual or apparent conflict of interest, a parenting coordinator shall notify the appointing court or division and the parties of the action taken to resolve the conflict and, if unable to do so, seek the direction of the court or division.(3) A parenting coordinator shall avoid serving in multiple roles with the same family, even with the consent of the parties.(C)Legal adviceA parenting coordinator shall not offer legal advice.
(D)Satisfaction of training requirements(1) A parenting coordinator shall meet the qualifications and comply with all training requirements of Sup.R. 16.64 and local court rules governing parenting coordinators and parenting coordination adopted under Sup.R. 16.61.(2) A parenting coordinator shall meet the qualifications for parenting coordinators for each court or division in which the parenting coordinator serves and promptly notify the court or division of any grounds for disqualification or any issues affecting the ability to serve.(3) Upon request, a parenting coordinator shall provide a court or division from which the parenting coordinator receives appointments documentation indicating compliance with all training and education requirements so that the court may meet the requirements of Sup.R. 16.64(A)(4). The documentation shall include information detailing the date, location, contents, credit hours, and sponsor of any relevant trainings.(E)Compliance with appointment orderA parenting coordinator shall comply with the requirements of and act in accordance with the appointment order issued by a court or division under Sup.R. 16.65(B).
(F)Competence or ability to performA parenting coordinator shall decline or withdraw from an appointment or request appropriate assistance in either of the following situations:
(1) The facts and circumstances of the case are beyond the skill or expertise of the parenting coordinator;(2) Personal circumstances, including but not limited to medical, mental health, or substance misuse or dependence, exist that compromise the ability of the parenting coordinator to perform his or her role.(G)Ex parte communicationsA parenting coordinator shall have no ex parte communications with the appointing court or division regarding substantive matters or issues on the merits of the case.
(H)Recordkeeping of fees and costsA parenting coordinator shall maintain records necessary to document charges for services and expenses. A parenting coordinator shall issue invoices for services and expenses to the parties no less than once per month.
Ohio. R. Superi. Ct. 16.63
Adopted September 6, 2022, effective 1/1/2023.