As amended through January 1, 2024
Rule 1915.11 - Parenting Coordination(a) The Court Administrator shall maintain a current roster of qualified individuals willing to serve as parenting coordinators upon court appointment pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.11-1.(b) The parenting coordinator shall attempt to resolve issues arising out of the custody order by facilitating an agreement between the parents and, if unable to reach an agreement, where necessary recommend a resolution to the court.(c) For simplification purposes, the general term "parent" is used to describe any party to a custody case, which includes the universe of people who act in a parental capacity in a custody proceeding.(d) Appointment of a Parenting Coordinator.(1) If the parents cannot agree on a parenting coordinator, the court may select one, upon a motion to designate, wherein the requesting parent will identify their choice(s) of parenting coordinator along with hourly rates and allocation of fees.(2) The non-requesting parent will be noticed to respond to the request with their choice(s) and required information. Thereafter, the court may designate a parenting coordinator without a hearing.(e) Scope of Authority of the Parenting Coordinator. (1) Unless the parents' consent in writing, the parenting coordinator shall not contact collateral sources or speak with the child(ren) and to effectuate this provision, the parents shall execute releases, as necessary, authorizing the parenting coordinator to communicate with the appropriate individuals.(2) Any communication with the collateral sources or child(ren) shall be limited to the issue(s) currently before the parenting coordinator.(f) Fees. (1) The compensation for a parenting coordinator shall be set each year via the annual Court Fee Schedule (See C.C.R.P. 6).(2) Waiver of fees or reduced fees. Upon written request of a parent, which may be filed using the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania form designated a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, CPCMS 2046, the court shall engage in a need-based assessment of a parent's ability to pay, so that indigent or low-income parents may participate in the parenting coordination program at a reduced fee or, as appropriate, no fee.Amended effective 1/1/2024.