What is the difference between Parent Coordination and Co-Parent Counseling?

Parent Coordination is court-ordered and designed for high-conflict parenting situations. Co-Parent Counseling is voluntary and focuses on improving communication, boundaries, and cooperation.

Do both parents need to attend sessions?

Yes. Parent Coordination requires participation from both parents. Co-Parent Counseling may include joint or individual sessions depending on your goals.

What issues can Parent Coordination resolve?

Parent Coordination helps with communication breakdowns, parenting plan disputes, scheduling issues, emotional reactivity, and child-related decision-making.

Is Parent Coordination confidential?

Parent Coordination has unique confidentiality rules. Some information may be shared with the court depending on the court order.

What if my co-parent refuses to participate?

In court-ordered Parent Coordination, refusal may be addressed through the court. Voluntary Co-Parent Counseling can begin with one parent learning tools and strategies.

Parent Coordination and Coparenting in Orlando, FL

Parenting Solution Services at The Counseling Corner since 1998

Resolve Conflict. Protect Your Children. Rebuild Stability.

If your co-parenting feels tense, chaotic, or stuck, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Whether you need court-ordered Parent Coordination or voluntary Co-Parent Counseling, our Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediators help reduce conflict, improve communication, and create a healthier, more predictable environment for your children.

📞 Call 407-843-4968 to get started
📩 info@counselingcorner.net
🗺️ Orlando • Clermont • Telehealth Statewide
🔗 Request Dr. Reilly or Michelle Buchanan through the court for Parent Coordination

Parent Coordination & Co-Parenting Counseling in Orlando & Clermont, FL

A child-centered, structured path forward when communication has broken down

If you and your co-parent feel stuck in conflict, miscommunication, power struggles, or ongoing emotional tension, this page is for you. Parent Coordination and Co-Parent Counseling provide the structure, neutrality, and clarity you need to reduce conflict and protect your child’s emotional well-being.

At The Counseling Corner, Dr. Ernest “Ernie” Reilly, LCSW, and Michelle Buchanan, LMHC, LMFT bring decades of experience in high-conflict divorce, blended families, and family court dynamics. As Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediators and Qualified Parent Coordinators, they help parents resolve disputes, reduce emotional reactivity, and rebuild calmer, more collaborative co-parenting relationships.

What Is Parent Coordination? (Court-Ordered)

Parent Coordination is a court-ordered, child-centered intervention for parents who experience chronic conflict or are unable to communicate effectively around shared parenting decisions. It is structured, neutral, and solution-focused, with the goal of lowering parental conflict and improving stability for the child.

Parent Coordination helps with:

High-conflict communication patterns
Disagreements around parenting plans, schedules, or transitions
Emotional reactivity, blaming, or stonewalling
Child-related decision-making disputes
Reducing stress during or after divorce
Supporting compliance with parenting plans
Minimizing the child’s exposure to conflict

If Parent Coordination is ordered, your attorney or the court may appoint Dr. Reilly or Michelle Buchanan as your Parent Coordinator. Once appointed, simply call our office to schedule.

What Is Co-Parenting Counseling? (Voluntary, Not Court-Ordered)

Co-Parent Counseling is ideal for parents who want help improving communication, reducing tension, or establishing boundaries—but do not need legal involvement or a formal court order.

This supportive, collaborative service is for:

Parents who want to reduce arguments and emotional volatility
Couples navigating separation or divorce who want a smoother transition
Parents working to create consistent routines across households
Families blending households or adjusting to step-parent roles
Married parents struggling with conflict or misalignment in parenting styles

Co-Parent Counseling is child-centered, solution-focused, and aimed at fostering healthier communication patterns for the sake of the entire family.

How Parent Coordination & Co-Parent Counseling Work at The Counseling Corner

1. Appointment or Court Order

PC requires a court order or mediated agreement.
Co-Parent Counseling is voluntary — parents simply call to schedule.

2. Schedule Your Sessions

Once appointed or agreed upon, contact our office to schedule your first session (Orlando, Clermont, or online statewide).

To reach out:

Call The Counseling Corner at 407-843-4968
Or email us at info@counselingcorner.net

3. Work a Structured Plan

Your coordinator or counselor will help you:

Reduce conflict and emotional intensity
Improve communication skills
Clarify roles, expectations, and boundaries
Strengthen co-parenting cooperation
Create a more stable environment for your children

Our work is always guided by your child’s best interests.

Meet Your Parent Coordinators

Dr. Ernest “Ernie” Reilly, LCSW

Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator & Qualified Parent Coordinator
With more than 30 years of experience supporting children, parents, and families, Dr. Reilly specializes in high-conflict family dynamics, divorce-related parenting challenges, co-parenting instability, and complex family systems. Warm, calm, and structured, he provides balanced, child-focused guidance that helps reduce conflict and promote healthier patterns.

Michelle Buchanan, LMHC, LMFT

Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator & Qualified Parenting Coordinator
Michelle brings advanced training in mediation, family therapy, and high-conflict divorce interventions. She is known for her clear communication style, fairness, and ability to help parents de-escalate tension while staying focused on the child’s best interest.

FAQ: Parent Coordination & Co-Parent Counseling in Orlando, FL

Parent Coordination is court-ordered, structured, and designed for high-conflict cases. Co-Parent Counseling is voluntary and focuses on communication, boundaries, and parenting alignment without legal oversight.
Yes. Parent Coordination requires participation from both parents. Co-Parent Counseling may involve joint sessions, individual sessions, or a mix depending on your goals and level of conflict.
- Parenting plan disagreements
- Communication breakdowns
- Decision-making disputes
- Emotional reactivity
- Scheduling conflicts
- Compliance with court-ordered responsibilities
Parent Coordination follows unique confidentiality rules. Some information may be shared with the court depending on the order. Your coordinator will review this at the start of services.
Most court orders specify a set duration (often 6–12 months). Co-Parent Counseling may continue as long as progress is being made and both parents want support.
For Parent Coordination, refusal may be addressed by the court. Co-Parent Counseling is voluntary — one parent may begin alone to learn tools while encouraging the other to join later.
No. Parent Coordinators are neutral mental health professionals, not legal advisors. They support the emotional and relational side of co-parenting, not legal strategy.