Title: In Re: Amendments To The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure

State: florida

Issuer: Florida Supreme Court

Document:

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC09-1822 
____________ 
 
IN RE:  AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF 
PROCEDURE. 
 
[January 28, 2010] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
The Family Law Rules Committee has filed a “fast-track” report proposing 
new rule 12.742 (Parenting Coordination) and new forms 12.984 (Response by 
Parenting Coordinator) and 12.998 (Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator).  
The committee’s proposals are meant to implement chapter 2009-180, section 2, 
Laws of Florida, codifying requirements for the use of parenting coordinators in 
family law proceedings, effective October 1, 2009.      
 
Upon consideration of the committee’s report and the relevant legislation, 
we adopt new rule 12.742 and new forms 12.984 and 12.998.1  Rule 12.742 
implements and complements the statute by addressing various procedural issues.  
Subdivision (a) of the proposed new rule states that it applies to parenting 
                                          
 
 
1.  Minor editorial and grammatical corrections have been made to the new 
forms.   
 
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coordination.  Subdivision (b) requires that an order referring parties to a parenting 
coordinator be in substantial compliance with new form 12.996.  Subdivision (c) 
addresses the appointment of the parenting coordinator, providing that the parties 
may agree in writing on a parenting coordinator subject to the court’s approval, or 
if the parties cannot agree, the court shall appoint a coordinator “qualified by law,” 
and subdivision (d) requires the parenting coordinator to file a response to the 
appointment in substantial compliance with new form 12.984.  Subdivisions (e) 
and (f) address the term of service of the parenting coordinator (not to exceed two 
years), termination of service, and appointment of a substitute parenting 
coordinator.  Subdivision (g) sets forth the various types of authority the parenting 
coordinator may have with the consent of both parties, with the consent of one 
party, and with approval by the court.  Subdivision (h) states that a parenting 
coordinator may not have decision-making authority to resolve substantive 
disputes and defines substantive dispute as one that would significantly change the 
quantity or decrease the quality of time a child spends with either parent or would 
modify parental responsibility.  Subdivision (i) addresses emergency court orders 
as a result of the reporting of an emergency by the parenting coordinator.  It 
permits ex parte orders “if it appears from the facts shown by the affidavit or 
verified report [of the parenting coordinator] that there is an immediate and present 
danger that the emergency situation will occur before the parties can be heard,” 
 
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sets forth requirements for the order, and provides that a motion to dissolve an ex 
parte emergency order must be heard within five days after the movant applies for 
a hearing.  Subdivision (j) addresses the parenting coordinator’s written 
communications with the court, and permits the coordinator, with service on each 
party, to submit a written report or other written communication regarding any 
nonconfidential matter to the court.  Subdivision (k) states that a parenting 
coordinator shall not be called to testify or be subject to the discovery rules unless 
the court makes a prior finding of good cause.  It requires the requesting party to 
file a motion showing good cause, with service on the parenting coordinator, and to 
pay for the coordinator’s fees and costs incurred as a result of the motion.   
As noted, the new rule requires the parenting coordinator to file a response 
to the appointment in substantial compliance with new form 12.984.  This form 
allows the coordinator to either accept or decline the appointment, state that he or 
she satisfies the requirements for qualification or that the parties have chosen him 
or her by mutual consent, state that he or she is not aware of any conflict or other 
reason that would render him or her unable to serve, and state that he or she 
understands the role and authority of parenting coordinator under the order of 
referral and section 61.125 Florida Statutes.  The committee states that the primary 
purpose of requiring the filing of this response by the parenting coordinator is to 
 
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ensure that laypersons serving as parenting coordinators are familiar with the 
statute, the rule, and the order of referral to the parenting coordinator. 
The new rule also requires that an order referring parties to a parenting 
coordinator be in substantial compliance with new form 12.996.  The committee 
states that this new form resolves concerns about inconsistent orders currently used 
throughout the state.  The form order ensures that there is written documentation 
that the court addressed domestic violence issues, if any.  It recites the 
confidentiality provisions of the statute, thereby ensuring parties are on notice of 
this.  The order also defines the role, responsibility, and authority of the parenting 
coordinator, sets forth the term of service, and addresses fees and costs.2  
Accordingly, the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure are hereby 
amended as set forth in the appendix to this opinion.  New language is underlined; 
deleted language is struck through.  The new forms are fully engrossed and ready 
for immediate use.  The committee notes are offered for explanation only and are 
not adopted as an official part of the rules.  The amended rules and forms shall be 
effective immediately.  Because the amendments were not published for comment 
                                          
 
 
2.  Upon supplemental petition by the committee, we also amend rule 12.015 
(Family Law Forms) to add new forms 12.984 and 12.998 to the list of Family Law 
Rule of Procedure Forms contained therein. 
 
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prior to adoption, interested persons shall have sixty days from the date of this 
opinion in which to file comments with the Court.3 
QUINCE, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, CANADY, POLSTON, LABARGA, 
and PERRY, JJ., concur. 
 
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION, AND 
IF FILED, DETERMINED. 
 
 
Original Proceedings – Family Law Rules Committee 
 
Jack A. Moring, Chair, Family Law Rules Committee, Crystal River, Florida, and 
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
 
for Petitioner 
 
 
 
 
                                          
 
 
3.  An original and nine paper copies of all comments must be filed with the 
Court on or before March 29, 2010, with a certificate of service verifying that a 
copy has been served on the committee chair, Jack A. Moring, 7655 W. Gulf to 
Lake Hwy, Suite 12, Crystal River, FL 34429-7910, as well as a separate request 
for oral argument if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral 
argument, which may be scheduled in this case. The committee chair has until 
April 19, 2010, to file a response to any comments filed with the Court. Electronic 
copies of all comments and responses also must be filed in accordance with the 
Court's administrative order In re Mandatory Submission of Electronic Copies of 
Documents, Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC04-84 (Sept. 13, 2004). 
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APPENDIX 
RULE 12.015. 
FAMILY LAW FORMS 
 
 
(a) 
Forms Adopted as Rules. The forms listed in this rule shall be 
adopted by the rulemaking process in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.140. The Family Law 
Rules Committee of The Florida Bar shall propose amendments to these forms and 
any associated instructions. These forms shall be designated “Florida Family Law 
Rules of Procedure Forms.” Forms coming under this provision are: 
 
 
 
(1) 
12.900(a), Disclosure From Nonlawyer; 
 
 
 
(2) 
12.900(b), Notice of Limited Appearance; 
 
 
 
(3) 
12.900(c), Consent to Limited Appearance by Attorney; 
 
 
 
(4) 
12.900(d), Termination of Limited Appearance; 
 
 
 
(5) 
12.900(e), Acknowledgment of Assistance by Attorney; 
 
 
 
(6) 
12.900(f), Signature Block for Attorney Making Limited 
Appearance; 
 
 
 
(7) 
12.900(g), Agreement Limiting Representation; 
 
 
 
(8) 
12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases; 
 
 
 
(9) 
12.901(a), Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage; 
 
 
 
(10) 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form); 
 
 
 
(11) 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit; 
 
 
 
(12) 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet; 
 
 
 
(13) 12.902(f)(3), Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified 
Dissolution of Marriage; 
 
 
 
(14) 12.910(a), Summons: Personal Service on an Individual; 
 
 
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(15) 12.913(b), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry; 
 
 
 
(16) 12.913(c), Affidavit of Diligent Search; 
 
 
 
(17) 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate; 
 
 
 
(18) 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate; 
 
 
 
(19) 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate; 
 
 
 
(20) 12.928, Family Court Cover Sheet; 
 
 
 
(21) 12.930(a), Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories; 
 
 
 
(22) 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings; 
 
 
 
(23) 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for 
Modification Proceedings; 
 
 
 
(24) 12.932, Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure;  
 
 
 
(25) 12.984, Response by Parenting Coordinator; 
 
 
 
(256) 12.990(a), Final Judgment of Simplified Dissolution of 
Marriage;   and 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(27) 12.998, Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator. 
 
 
(b) 
[No change] 
 
Commentary 
[No change] 
 
RULE 12.742. 
 PARENTING COORDINATION  
 
 (a) Applicability.   This rule applies to parenting coordination.  
 
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 (b) Order Referring Parties to Parenting Coordinator. An order referring 
the parties to a parenting coordinator must be in substantial compliance with 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996.  The order must specify the 
role, responsibility, and authority of the parenting coordinator 
 
 (c) Appointment of Parenting Coordinator.  The parties may agree in 
writing on a parenting coordinator subject to the court’s approval.  If the parties 
cannot agree on a parenting coordinator, the court shall appoint a parenting 
coordinator qualified by law.  
 
 (d) Response by Parenting Coordinator.  The parenting coordinator must file 
a response accepting or declining the appointment in substantial compliance with 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984. 
 
 (e) Term of Service.  The term of the parenting coordinator shall be as 
specified in the order of appointment or as extended by the court.  The initial term 
of service shall not exceed two years.  The court shall terminate the service on:  
 
  
(1) The parenting coordinator’s resignation or disqualification; or 
 
  
(2) A finding of good cause shown based on the court’s own motion or a 
party’s written motion.  Good cause includes, but is not limited to the occurrence 
of domestic violence; circumstances that compromise the safety of any person or 
the integrity of the process; or a finding that there is no longer a need for the 
service of the parenting coordinator.  The motion and notice of hearing shall also 
be served on the parenting coordinator.  
 
 (f) 
Appointment of Substitute Parenting Coordinator.    If a parenting 
coordinator cannot serve or continue to serve, a substitute parenting coordinator 
may be chosen in the same manner as the original. 
 
 
 (g) Authority with Consent.  
The parenting coordinator may have 
additional authority with express written consent.  If there has been a history of 
domestic violence the court must find that consent has been freely and voluntarily 
given. 
   
 
  
(1) With the express written consent of both parties, the parenting 
coordinator may 
 
 
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(A) have temporary decision-making authority to resolve specific 
non-substantive disputes between the parties until such time as a court order is 
entered modifying the decision; or 
 
 
  
 
(B) make recommendations to the court concerning modifications to 
the parenting plan or time-sharing. 
 
    
(2) With the express written consent of a party, a parenting coordinator 
may 
 
  
 
(A) have access to confidential and privileged records and 
information of that party; or 
 
  
 
(B) provide confidential and privileged information for that party to 
health care providers and to any other third parties.  
 
  
(3) With the express approval of the court, the parenting coordinator may 
 
  
 
(A) have access to a child's confidential and privileged records and 
information; or 
 
  
 
(B) provide confidential and privileged information for that child to 
health care providers and to any other third parties. 
 
 
 (h) Limitation of Authority.  A parenting coordinator shall not have decision 
making authority to resolve substantive disputes between the parties.  A dispute is 
substantive if it would 
 
 
  
(1) significantly change the quantity or decrease the quality of time a 
child spends with either parent; or 
 
 
  
(2) modify parental responsibility. 
 
 
 
 (i) 
Emergency Order.  
 
 
  
(1) Consideration by the Court.  On the filing of an affidavit or verified 
report of an emergency by the parenting coordinator, the court shall determine 
whether the facts and circumstances contained in the report constitute an 
emergency and whether an emergency order needs to be entered with or without 
notice to the parties to prevent or stop furtherance of the emergency.  
 
- 10 - 
 
 
  
(2) Ex Parte Order.  An emergency order may be entered without notice 
to the parties if it appears from the facts shown by the affidavit or verified report 
that there is an immediate and present danger that the emergency situation will 
occur before the parties can be heard.  No evidence other than the affidavit or 
verified report shall be used to support the emergency being reported unless the 
parties appear at the hearing or have received notice of a hearing.  Every temporary 
order entered without notice in accordance with this rule shall be endorsed with the 
date and hour of entry, be filed forthwith in the clerk's office, and define the injury 
or potential injury, state findings by the court why the injury or potential injury 
may be irreparable, and give the reasons why the order was granted without notice.  
The court shall provide the parties and attorney ad litem, if one is appointed, with a 
copy of the parenting coordinator's affidavit or verified report giving rise to the ex 
parte order.  A return hearing shall be scheduled if the court issues an emergency 
ex parte order. 
 
  
(3) Duration.  The emergency order shall remain in effect until further 
order. 
 
  
(4) Motion to Dissolve or Modify Ex Parte Order.  A motion to modify 
or dissolve an ex parte emergency order must be heard within 5 days after the 
movant applies for a hearing.   
 
 (j) 
Written Communication with Court.  The parenting coordinator may 
submit a written report or other written communication regarding any 
nonconfidential matter to the court.  The parenting coordinator must 
contemporaneously serve each party with a copy of the written communication. 
 
 (k) Testimony and Discovery.  A parenting coordinator shall not be called to 
testify or be subject to the discovery rules of the Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure unless the court makes a prior finding of good cause.  A party must file 
a motion, alleging good cause why the court should allow the parenting 
coordinator to testify or be subject to discovery.  The requesting party shall serve 
the motion and notice of hearing on the parenting coordinator.  The requesting 
party shall initially be responsible for the parenting coordinator's fees and costs 
incurred as a result of the motion. 
 
Committee Note 
 
 
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 2010 Adoption.  The provisions of subdivision (k) do not abrogate the 
confidentiality provisions of section 61.125, Florida Statutes. An exception to 
confidentiality must apply before invoking this subdivision of the rule. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984, Response by Parenting Coordinator 
(1/10) 
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.984, RESPONSE BY PARENTING COORDINATOR (1/10) 
 
When should this form be used? 
A person appointed as a parenting coordinator must accept or decline the appointment under 
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742(d).  If you accept the appointment, you must 
complete paragraphs 1(a) and 2 and sign it.  If you decline the appointment, you must complete 
only paragraph 1(b) and sign the form.  This form should be typed or printed in black ink. 
 
Important Consideration Before Responding.  
A Qualified Parenting Coordinator or other licensed mental health professional under Chapter 
490 or 491, Florida Statutes, shall abide by the ethical and other professional standards imposed 
by his or her licensing authority, certification board, or both, as applicable.   
 
A person that is not a Qualified Parenting Coordinator or a licensed mental health professional 
under Chapter 490 or 491, Florida Statutes, shall not accept an appointment to serve as 
parenting coordinator in a matter that presents an apparent or undisclosed conflict of interest.  
A conflict of interest arises when any relationship between the parenting coordinator and either 
party compromises or appears to compromise the parenting coordinator’s ability to serve.  The 
burden of disclosure of any potential conflict of interest rests on the parenting coordinator.  
Disclosure shall be made as soon as practical after the parenting coordinator becomes aware of 
the potential conflict of interest.  If a parenting coordinator makes an appropriate disclosure of 
a conflict of interest or a potential conflict of interest, he or she may serve if all parties agree.  
However, if a conflict of interest substantially impairs a parenting coordinator's ability to serve, 
the parenting coordinator shall decline the appointment or withdraw regardless of the express 
agreement of the parties. 
 
A parenting coordinator shall not provide any services to either party that would impair the 
parenting coordinator's ability to be neutral. 
 
What should I do next? 
After completing and signing this form, you must file the original with the clerk of the circuit 
court in the county in which the action is pending and keep a copy for your records. 
 
You must mail or hand-deliver a copy of this form to the attorney(s) for the parents or, if not 
represented by an attorney, to the parents. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” 
found at the beginning of these forms.  For more information, see section 61.125, Florida 
Statutes, Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.742, and the Order of Referral to Parenting 
Coordinator, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984, Response by Parenting Coordinator 
(1/10) 
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Special notes 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer.  If a nonlawyer helps you fill 
out these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family 
Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill 
out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom 
of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984, Response by Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
 
Case No: ________________________ 
 
Division: ________________________ 
 
_________________________________, 
Petitioner, 
And 
 
_________________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
RESPONSE BY PARENTING COORDINATOR 
 
 
I, {name}_________________________________________notify the Court and affirm the 
following: 
 
1. Acceptance. 
[Choose only one] 
a. ____ I accept the appointment as parenting coordinator. 
b. ____ I decline the appointment as parenting coordinator. 
 
 
 
 
 
2. Qualifications. 
[Choose only one] 
a. ____  I meet the qualifications in section 61.125(4), Florida Statutes.          
b. ____ I do not meet the qualifications in section 61.125(4), Florida Statutes.  However, the 
parties have chosen me by mutual consent and I believe I can perform the services of a 
parenting coordinator because:  ____________________________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________  
 
3. I am not aware of any conflict, circumstance, or reason that renders me unable to serve as the 
parenting coordinator in this matter and I will immediately inform the court and the parties if such 
arises. 
 
4. I understand my role, responsibility, and authority under the Order Referring Parents to Parenting 
Coordinator, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(a) and section 61.125, Florida 
Statutes. 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984, Response by Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
- 15 - 
 
 
I hereby affirm the truth of the statements in this acceptance and understand that if I make any false 
representations in this acceptance, I am subject to sanctions by the Court. 
 
 
 
_____________________ 
 
 
_____________________________________________  
Date  
 
 
 
 
 
Signature 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Printed Name:_________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address: _____________________________________ 
   
 
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip: ________________________________   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Telephone Number: ____________________________  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Professional License # (if applicable)  _______________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Professional Certification # (if applicable) ____________ 
 
 
Copies to:  Attorney for Parent #1 OR Parent #1 if not represented by Counsel 
       
 Attorney for Parent #2 OR Parent #2 if not represented by Counsel 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill in 
all blanks] 
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer} _____________________________________________, 
a nonlawyer, whose address is {street} _____________________________, {city} __________________, 
{state} ______________,{phone} ______, helped {name} _______________________________, who is 
the petitioner, fill out this form. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998, Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
 
Case No: ________________________ 
 
Division: ________________________ 
 
_________________________________, 
Petitioner, 
And 
 
_________________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
ORDER OF REFERRAL TO PARENTING COORDINATOR 
 
 
The Court considered the (   ) motion of the court, (   ) joint motion of the parties, (   ) motion of a 
party, reviewed the court file, and considered the testimony presented.  Based on this information, the 
court FINDS that: 
 
A. Appropriateness of Process. This matter is appropriate for parenting coordination and it is in the 
best interest of the child(ren). 
 
B. Parenting Coordination Process.  Parenting coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute 
resolution process whereby a parenting coordinator assists the parents in creating or implementing 
their parenting plan by facilitating the resolution of disputes, providing education and making 
recommendations to the parents; and, with the prior consent of the parents and approval of the 
court, making limited decisions within the scope of this order of referral. 
 
C. Parenting Coordinator.  A parenting coordinator is an impartial third person whose role is to assist 
the parents in successfully creating or implementing a parenting plan. 
 
D. Selection of Parenting Coordinator.  The parenting coordinator was selected by: 
[Choose only one]  
   
____  parties' agreement.  
____ the court.  
 
E. History of Domestic Violence.   Based on testimony and evidence presented and a review of related 
court records, the court has determined: 
[Choose all that apply] 
____  There is no history of domestic violence.  
 
____ There has been a history of domestic violence, and: 
 
 
 
 
____ Each party has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney or domestic violence advocate 
before this court has accepted the parties’ consent.  
 
____ Each party has consented to this referral and the consent has been given freely and voluntarily. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998, Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
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It is therefore, ORDERED: 
 
1. Parenting Coordinator.   The parties are referred to the following parenting coordinator for an 
initial period of   months: 
 
Name: ____________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Address: __________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
__________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Telephone:  _____________________________  
 
 
 
 
Fax Number:  ______________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a. The parenting coordinator shall file a response to this Order within 30 days either accepting 
or declining the appointment.  The response to the appointment must be in substantial 
compliance with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.984. 
 
b. The parties or their attorneys must provide to the parenting coordinator copies of all 
pleadings and orders related to domestic violence and any other pleadings and orders 
requested by the parenting coordinator related to parenting coordination.    
 
2. Meetings.  Unless prohibited herein as a domestic violence safeguard or by another court order, 
the parenting coordinator may meet with the parties and/or child(ren) together or separately, in 
person or by any electronic means. 
 
3. Domestic Violence Safeguards.  The parties shall adhere to all provisions of any injunction for 
protection or conditions of bail, probation, or a sentence arising from criminal proceedings.  In 
addition to any safety measures the parenting coordinator deems necessary, the following 
domestic violence safeguards must be implemented: 
 
[Choose all that apply] 
____ None are necessary. 
____ No joint meetings 
____ No direct negotiations 
____ No direct communications 
____ Other: ____________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Role, Responsibility, and Authority of Parenting Coordinator. The parenting coordinator shall 
have the following role, responsibility, and authority:  
 
a. Assisting the parents in creating and implementing a parenting plan. 
 
b. Facilitating the resolution of disputes regarding the creation or implementation of the 
Parenting Plan. 
 
c. Recommending to the parents strategies for creating or implementing the Parenting Plan. 
Such recommendations may include that one or both parents avail themselves of accessible 
and appropriate community resources, including, but not limited to, random drug screens, 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998, Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
-18- 
parenting classes, and individual psychotherapy or family counseling, if there is a history or 
evidence that such referrals are appropriate.  
 
d. Recommending to the parents changes to the Parenting Plan. 
 
e. Educating the parties to effectively:  
i. Parent in a manner that minimizes conflicts;  
ii. Communicate and negotiate with each other and their child(ren);  
iii. Develop and apply appropriate parenting skills;  
iv. Understand principles of child development and issues facing child(ren) when their 
parents no longer live together;  
v. 
Disengage from the other parent when engagement leads to conflicts and non-
cooperation;  
vi. 
Identify the sources of their conflict with each other and work jointly to minimize 
conflict and lessen its deleterious effects on the child(ren); and,  
vii. 
Allow the child(ren) to grow up free from the threat of being caught in the middle of 
their parents’ disputes.  
 
f. Reporting or communicating with the court concerning nonconfidential matters as provided 
in paragraph 6 of this order.  
 
g. Communicating with the parties and their child(ren), separately or together, in person or by 
telephone, unless otherwise prohibited by court order or applicable law. 
 
5. Fees and Costs for Parenting Coordination.  
[Choose all that apply] 
a. ____ The parties have consented to this referral to parenting coordination.   
 
____ This order is without the consent of the parties, but the court has determined that the 
parties have the financial ability to pay the parenting coordination fees and costs. 
 
b. ____The court allocates payment of fees and costs for parenting coordination as follows: 
____ % shall be paid by the Father. 
____ % shall be paid by the Mother. 
____ Other: ___________________________________________________________ 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If a party has caused the parenting coordinator to expend an unreasonable and 
unnecessary amount of time, that party may be solely responsible for payment of the parenting 
coordinator’s fees and costs for such time expended.  Failure to pay the parenting coordinator’s 
fees and costs in a timely manner may subject the party to sanctions for contempt of court. 
 
6. Confidentiality.  All communications made by, between, or among the parties and the parenting 
coordinator during parenting coordination sessions are confidential. The parenting coordinator 
and each party may not testify or offer evidence about communications made by a party or the 
parenting coordinator during the parenting coordination sessions, except if: 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998, Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
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a. Necessary to identify, authenticate, confirm, or deny a written agreement entered into by 
the parties during parenting coordination. 
 
b. The testimony or evidence is necessary to identify an issue for resolution by the court 
without otherwise disclosing communications made by any party or the parenting 
coordinator. 
 
c. The testimony or evidence is limited to the subject of a party's compliance with the order of 
referral to parenting coordination, orders for psychological evaluation, counseling ordered 
by the court or recommended by a health care provider, or for substance abuse testing or 
treatment. 
 
d. The parenting coordinator reports that the case is no longer appropriate for parenting 
coordination. 
 
e. The parenting coordinator is reporting that he or she is unable or unwilling to continue to 
serve and that a successor parenting coordinator should be appointed. 
 
f. The testimony or evidence is necessary pursuant to section 61.125(5)(b) or section 
61.125(8), Florida Statutes. 
 
g. The parenting coordinator is not qualified to address or resolve certain issues in the case 
and a more qualified coordinator should be appointed. 
 
h. The parties agree that the testimony or evidence be permitted. 
 
i. 
The testimony or evidence is necessary to protect any person from future acts that would 
constitute domestic violence under Chapter 741, Florida Statutes; child abuse, neglect, or 
abandonment under Chapter 39, Florida Statutes; or abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an 
elderly or disabled adult under Chapter 825, Florida Statutes. 
 
7. Agreement on Nonconfidentiality.  The parties can agree to waive confidentiality of a specific 
communication or all communications.  The waiver must be in writing, signed by the parties and 
their respective counsel.  The waiver shall be filed with the court and a copy served on the 
parenting coordinator.  Either party may revoke their waiver of confidentiality by providing 
written notice signed by the party.  The revocation shall be filed with the court and a copy 
served on the other party and the parenting coordinator.  
 
8. Scheduling.  Each party shall contact the parenting coordinator within 10 days of the date of this 
order to schedule the first appointment.  The parenting coordinator shall determine the 
schedule for subsequent appointments.    
 
 
ORDERED ON {date} __________________________. 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
________________________________ 
 
 
CIRCUIT JUDGE 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.998, Order of Referral to Parenting Coordinator (1/10) 
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COPIES TO: 
Parenting Coordinator 
Address :______________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Party: _______________________________________   
 
 
 
 
  
Counsel for Party: _____________________________________  
 
 
 
 
Address of Counsel: ___________________________________  
 
 
 
 
 
Name of Party: ______________________________________  
 
 
 
 
 
Counsel for Party:____________________________________   
 
 
 
 
Address of Counsel: __________________________________  
 
 
 
 
 
Guardian ad Litem: __________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Address of GAL: ____________________________________