Guardian ad Litem vs. Parenting Coordinator: What’s the Difference in Florida Family Law
In Florida custody and time-sharing cases, the court’s main goal is always the same — to protect the child’s best interests. To help achieve that, judges sometimes appoint outside professionals like a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or a Parenting Coordinator. While their roles can overlap in high-conflict cases, they serve very different purposes. Understanding those differences can help parents better navigate their Florida custody proceedings.
What Is a Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem is a neutral party appointed by the court to investigate and advocate for the child’s best interests. The GAL’s primary responsibility is to gather facts, interview family members, and provide an independent recommendation to the judge about what custody arrangement best supports the child.
To learn more about how a GAL works in practice, see our article on what to expect when a Guardian ad Litem is assigned or how to prepare for a home visit.
What Is a Parenting Coordinator?
A Parenting Coordinator is a neutral professional—often an attorney or mental health specialist—appointed to help parents reduce conflict and improve communication after a parenting plan or court order is already in place. Their role is not investigative, but rather facilitative. They work with both parents to help resolve disputes about day-to-day parenting issues such as scheduling, communication, or medical decisions.
Parenting coordinators are commonly used in cases where parents struggle to cooperate, but both remain active in the child’s life.
Key Differences Between a GAL and a Parenting Coordinator
| Role | Guardian ad Litem (GAL) | Parenting Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Investigates and reports on what is in the child’s best interests. | Helps parents communicate and resolve co-parenting disputes. |
| When Appointed | During a custody or timesharing dispute, often before a final judgment. | After a parenting plan or custody order is in place, when ongoing conflict persists. |
| Authority | Makes recommendations to the court but cannot make final decisions. | Can make limited binding decisions if both parents agree or court allows. |
| Interaction with the Child | Meets with and observes the child directly. | Typically interacts more with parents than with the child. |
| Report or Output | Provides a written report to the judge with findings and recommendations. | Documents progress and issues between parents but does not file a formal report with the court. |
When Courts in Florida Use Each Role
Florida family courts may appoint a Guardian ad Litem when there are serious questions about a child’s safety, living conditions, or parental fitness. On the other hand, a Parenting Coordinator is often brought in when both parents are capable caregivers but need help resolving conflict and maintaining healthy communication.
In some complex cases, both a GAL and a Parenting Coordinator may be appointed — one focusing on investigation, the other on long-term co-parenting stability.
Which Option Is Right for Your Case?
If your case involves allegations of neglect, instability, or conflicting testimony about the child’s welfare, a Guardian ad Litem is usually the appropriate choice. If your main challenges involve miscommunication, scheduling, or ongoing tension after a court order, a Parenting Coordinator can help maintain peace and consistency for your child.
Your attorney can assess your situation and advise whether requesting one of these professionals is likely to help your case.
Talk to a St. Augustine Family Law Attorney
At St. Johns Law Group, our experienced family law attorneys represent parents in cases involving Guardians ad Litem, Parenting Coordinators, and all types of custody-related proceedings. We’ll help you determine which approach best supports your family’s needs and ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about how these roles work in Florida family court, or to discuss your specific custody case, contact St. Johns Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation.