Court coordination program

Skip to main content Skip to topics menu Skip to topics menu. Cancel Print. Advanced Search. Court Coordination. Parent coordinators have special training in among other things family dynamics, child development, conflict resolution, the effect of divorce and separation on children, family law, domestic abuse, and substance abuse.

Parent coordinators in this program agree to charge eligible parents according to a sliding fee scale. The parent coordinator strives to develop a detailed and documented parenting plan. The plan is based on:. If parents reach agreement, they submit the written parenting plan to the court. The assigned judge reviews the plan and may incorporate its terms into an order. The parent coordinator may submit a recommended parenting plan to the court. The judge then decides whether to include the parent coordinator's recommendations in an order after a hearing or a status conference.

Parents do not need to have a lawyer while working with a parent coordinator. Some people find it helpful to get legal advice during this process find Legal Help here. Some parents qualify for a subsidy from the Judiciary, which lowers their out-of-pocket share of the parent coordinator's hourly fee.

The subsidy is based on two factors: each parent's household income and the number of children living with each parent. Parents pay fees in advance to the parent coordinator in hour increments. During the first meeting, each parent might be required to pay up to Later in the process, if the parent coordinator believes that more time than the original estimate is needed, the parent coordinator will request additional time at a status conference or hearing.

Each parent brings the completed subsidy application form and any supporting documentation to the first meeting with the parent coordinator. The parent coordinator reviews the subsidy application form and consults a sliding fee scale [link to sliding fee scale webpage] to see how much of an hourly subsidy the parent qualifies to receive. The amount of the subsidy is based on two factors: the parent's household income and the number of children living in the household.

Learn more about the sliding fee scale. The process begins with an order from the court. Each parent receives an information packet along with the court order. The order requires each parent to call the parent coordinator named in the order within seven days. The parent coordinator will schedule meetings with each parent separately soon after the initial call. Maintain data and records on caseflow and time elements involved in cases for planning and performance purposes.

Utilize electronic case management systems in order to track cases and determine if time limits set by local rules are being met. Implement tickler system to ensure that time limits are being met.

Inform court bailiff of defendants in custody and their scheduled dates and times for appearances in court. Check with attorneys on status of cases set for trial.

Keep the courts informed of any changes in status of weekly and monthly dockets. Set trial dockets. Plan and supervise the mechanics of notice to all connected with trials.

Coordinate the availability of attorneys, parties, and court personnel. Reset all cases not reached for trial. Determine and coordinate the availability of visiting judges through the Regional Presiding Judge. Make recommendations for improvements and procedures. Plan and provide for the comfort and convenience of jurors awaiting assignment.

Determine answers to inquiries from respective jurors. Plan and coordinate juror security with the court bailiff during the trial of major criminal cases. Send jury thank you letters and questionnaires after trial. Maintain records and reports on juror usage for planning and recommended improvements. Assist the judge by screening, interviewing, and recommending persons for employment by the courts. Plan and supervise the initial training for court employees and prepare training manual.

Research and report on personnel policies when required by the court. Supervise record keeping of all court functions and dockets.