When co-parenting isn’t working, and your child is caught in the middle, the court has tools to help calm the chaos. Two of the most common are the Parent Coordinator (PC) and the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) — but they serve very different roles.
If you’re not sure which one applies to your situation (or why a judge is ordering either of them), you’re not alone. Many parents feel confused about who does what, how they get involved, and what it means for their custody arrangement.
Let’s break it down in plain English so you can feel more confident navigating this part of the legal process.
What Is a Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem, or GAL, is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the child. They act as the court’s “eyes and ears” in custody disputes, especially when there are serious concerns about a child’s safety, well-being, or living situation.
The GAL does not work for either parent. Instead, they investigate the case by:
- Interviewing both parents
- Talking with the child (when appropriate)
- Speaking with teachers, counselors, or doctors
- Reviewing court records and evidence
After gathering information, the GAL writes a report for the judge with recommendations about custody, visitation, and other child-related matters. The judge is not required to follow those recommendations, but they carry weight—especially in high-conflict or high-risk cases.
A GAL does not have decision-making power—their job is to provide insight, not to mediate or resolve disputes.
What Is a Parent Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator is appointed in cases where the parenting plan is already in place, but the parents continue to argue or struggle to co-parent effectively.
Unlike a GAL, the Parenting Coordinator:
- Works directly with the parents to improve communication
- Helps resolve ongoing disputes about parenting time, school, health, or schedules
- May be granted limited decision-making authority (depending on the court order)
- Usually stays involved over a longer period of time
The goal of a Parenting Coordinator is to reduce conflict, keep minor issues out of court, and support the family in creating a healthier co-parenting dynamic.
In Florida, Parenting Coordinators often have backgrounds in law, mental health, or family mediation and are specially trained to deal with high-conflict situations.
Key Differences Between a GAL and a Parent Coordinator
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help clarify the two roles:
| Aspect | Guardian ad Litem | Parent Coordinator |
| Primary Role | Investigates and reports to the judge | Facilitates ongoing co-parenting |
| Focus | Child’s best interests in legal disputes | Reducing parental conflict and implementing parenting plans |
| Authority | Recommends to court, no decision-making power | May be granted limited authority by court |
| When Appointed | During custody disputes or abuse allegations | After a parenting plan is in place but conflict continues |
| Who Pays | Often split between parents or paid by court | Typically paid by the parents |
| Interaction with Child | Interviews child and others to assess best interests | May or may not meet the child—focus is on the parents |
When Might the Court Appoint One?
Courts don’t appoint a GAL or Parenting Coordinator without a reason. Here’s when they might:
A Guardian ad Litem may be appointed when:
- There are serious allegations of abuse or neglect
- The parents’ conflict is so severe that it puts the child at risk
- The child is old enough to express a preference and the court wants a neutral view
A Parenting Coordinator may be appointed when:
- There’s a court-approved parenting plan, but the parents constantly fight over details
- Disputes are frequent but not serious enough for a GAL
- The judge wants to reduce repeat court filings and encourage cooperation
Can You Have Both?
Yes. In some high-conflict cases, the court may assign both a GAL and a Parenting Coordinator—but usually not at the same time.
For example:
- A GAL may investigate and submit a report to help the judge create the parenting plan.
- Later, if the parents can’t follow that plan without constant conflict, a Parenting Coordinator may be appointed to step in and help manage the day-to-day challenges.
The two roles are complementary but serve very different stages in a case.
How to Know Which You Might Need
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- If you’re worried about your child’s safety, living situation, or the outcome of a custody battle → You may need a Guardian ad Litem.
- If you’re struggling with how to co-parent, constantly arguing over decisions, or dreading every text message exchange → You may need a Parent Coordinator.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard enough navigating parenting after divorce. When things become unmanageable, a Guardian ad Litem or Parenting Coordinator may be exactly what’s needed to move forward in a healthier way.
Understanding the difference between the two can help you prepare for what’s ahead—and protect your child from being caught in the middle.
Still not sure which applies to your case? We’re here to help. Contact Melendez Law Office to talk about your custody concerns and explore your options.
