Pennsylvania experimented with the use of a parental coordinator in custody cases, as you may recall from a prior post on this site That is to say, in PA, a judge could appoint a parental coordinator to enforce a custody order or handle the process of making modifications to it.
Good Law?
Long story short, in 2013, Pennsylvania ended its experiment with the use of parental coordinators. This was made official via the Pennsylvania Supreme Court adoption of Rule of Civil Procedure 1915.11-1. Pursuant to the new rule, only judges may make decisions in child custody cases, which also includes hearing officers/masters. Thus, the courts may not appoint any other person to render decisions or recommendations or alter a custody order in child custody cases. Moreover, effective May 23, 2013, all existing orders appointing Parental Coordinators were vacated.
Why The New Rule?
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania had a concern with recent controversies in 2 different counties concerning juvenile placement and guardians ad litem.
The Consequences: A Good Thing?
It depends on whom you ask. Many Judges like the idea of delegating duties to a parental coordinator. Certain family law attorneys viewed the program as having value as an important bridge between the parties, lawyers, and the courts. An argument could be made that the program should have been tweaked, but not dismantled. Regardless, abolishing the program will favors transparency and add to more direct accountability for decisions in child custody court.
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