Support for Families Navigating Complex Family Law Matters

Divorce and post-divorce parenting can be challenging for any family. The court system is often not the best place to find practical, lasting solutions. Families with complex needs benefit from understanding, precision, and tailored guidance to help move forward and focus on the future. Meggin Rutherford provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services designed to support families of all kinds.

 

Who can benefit?

Families where parents or children face unique challenges, including:

• Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, learning differences, mental health concerns).

• Children with significant medical or developmental needs.

• High-conflict dynamics, blended families, or co-parenting difficulties.

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What is Mediation/Arbitration? 

All family law cases in Colorado begin with mediation—a process where a neutral professional helps parents communicate and work toward agreements. Successful mediation allows families to develop co-parenting plans collaboratively.

If agreement is not possible, parties may appoint the mediator as an arbitrator to make binding decisions on unresolved issues. Arbitration is flexible, efficient, and avoids the delays and constraints of court, providing outcomes tailored to your family’s needs.

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How Can Mediation/Arbitration Help?

• Provides faster, more comprehensive, and practical orders.

• Preserves co-parenting relationships while giving parents agency.

• Offers the expertise needed for detailed, precise parenting plans.

• Reduces trauma and conflict, compared to prolonged litigation.

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What is a PC/DM/Arb?  A Parenting Coordinator (PC), Decision Maker (DM), or Arbitrator (Arb) provides guidance and authority to implement parenting plans after divorce. Families with higher complexity often need ongoing support for decision-making, communication, and co-parenting.

  

How Can a PC/DM/Arb Help? 

• Facilitates communication and decision-making strategies.

• Makes major decisions if parents cannot agree.

• Provides ongoing guidance for evolving parenting plans.

• Keeps families moving forward with solutions instead of repeated court disputes.

Alternatives: Without a PC/DM/Arb, families may face sole decision-making by one parent or endless court returns.

 

What Is Each Role? 

 

• Parenting Coordinator (PC): Guides communication and helps parents understand and implement their parenting plan.

• Decision Maker (DM): Resolves disputes strictly within the scope of the parenting plan; serves as a tie-breaker on joint decisions.

• Arbitrator (Arb): Can have broader authority, making binding decisions beyond the parenting plan, including modifications to support, parenting time, or other long-term arrangements.

 

Do You Need Them All?

Complex families often require evolving orders as children’s needs change. A PC/DM/Arb provides:

• Efficient, thorough, and flexible guidance.

• Solutions tailored to your family without overburdening the court.

• Tools to manage unforeseen challenges and prevent ongoing conflict.

 

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