If you are experiencing difficulties with your ex over parenting time, and you have an existing order, it can be very frustrating to deal with delays or violations. You may want to call your attorney and demand action (as you should), but getting immediate remedies may not be so easy. After all, getting into court could take weeks. So what are you to do in the meantime?
If your custody order calls for contacting a parenting time expeditor before going back to court, you may be in luck. An expeditor (sometimes called a parenting time coordinator) is a neutral third party who helps parents resolve disputes. The expeditor may also arbitrate parenting time complaints.
There are a number of benefits to having a parenting time expeditor, including:
Faster decisions – There’s a reason why they are called “expeditors.” It is easier to schedule a meeting with an expeditor and they can provide decisions faster than scheduling a motion date before a judge.
Cheaper process – Unlike going to court, you don’t have to file a motion to have your dispute handled by a parenting time expeditor.
Clarity in the order – An expeditor may also help you understand unclear provisions of the order. Keep in mind that this is not legal advice, but it may help in avoiding additional parenting time disputes.
If your current order does not call for an expeditor or some type of mediation process before filing another motion, chances are that this is an opportunity to have your decree modified to include it.
The preceding is not legal advice.
