Parenting Consulting
A parenting consultant is a neutral professional, often appointed by the court, who helps parents manage conflict, improve communication, and follow court-ordered parenting plans. They help resolve communication issues, decision-making disputes, and other parenting conflicts while focusing on your child’s well-being. Through education, coaching, and problem-solving, parenting consultants support healthier co-parenting relationships and create stable environments for children to thrive.
Parenting Consulting is ideal for...
✔ Parents involved in high-conflict custody or parenting time disputes
✔ Families struggling with communication or co-parenting after divorce
✔ Parents who need guidance on implementing or interpreting a parenting plan
✔ Court-involved families seeking structured decision-making support
Parenting Consulting helps families...
-
Reduce conflict and protect children from parental disputes
-
Resolve disagreements efficiently, without returning to court
-
Stay child-focused when emotions run high
-
Create stability in parenting schedules and decision-making
Our Approach
At Guyette Family Guidance, you can expect:
✔ Child-Centered Decisions to promote children's best interests.
✔ Collaborative First, Decisive When Needed
✔ Timely and Efficient for fast resolution to prevent conflict.
✔ Fair, Neutral, and Impartial
✔ Skill-Building and Education Tools for better co-parenting and communication
✔ Trauma-Informed & Safety-Oriented with every recommendation
✔ Culturally Responsive to diverse family structures and parenting styles
How it works
Step 1: Appointment and Agreement
Parenting Consultants are appointed through a Court Order, with both parents agreeing on the selected consultant. Once appointed, both parents review and sign a service agreement with Guyette Family Guidance, PLLC.
Step 2: Intake and Orientation
In the initial meeting, the Court Appointing Order is reviewed with both parents, and expectations are set for communication and process.
Step 3: Individual Parent Meetings
A meeting is held with each parent to hear their perspectives about relational dynamics, concerns, and children.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Your parenting consultant will work with you through scheduled meetings, emails, and decision-making as needed.
FAQs
Who pays for the parenting consultant?
Typically, the court order or parenting agreement outlines how costs are shared. Most often, parents split the fee equally, but the court can assign costs differently if necessary.
How often will we meet with the parenting consultant?
The frequency depends on the level of conflict and family needs. Some families require regular check-ins, while others only need the Parenting Consultant when disputes arise. The best case scenario is when a parenting consultant provides support as needed, but parents begin resolving disputes on their own.
Is a parenting consultant’s decision legally binding?
Yes. When parents cannot reach an agreement, the parenting consultant can make certain binding decisions as outlined in the court order. This process is faster and less expensive than going back to court.
What kinds of issues does a parenting consultant handle?
A parenting consultant assists with day-to-day parenting issues such as parenting time disputes, holiday schedules, communication breakdowns, and interpreting court orders. Their focus is on reducing conflict and keeping children out of parental disagreements.
How is a parenting consultant different from a therapist or mediator?
Unlike a therapist, who addresses emotional or mental health, or a mediator, who facilitates negotiations, a parenting consultant is a court-appointed professional to assist parents in resolving disputes regarding parenting and coparenting.