Are Meetings With Parenting Coordinators In Nevada Confidential? Or Do They Tell Everything?
If you’re going through a custody dispute and the court has appointed a parenting coordinator (PC), you might be wondering: Can I speak freely with this person, or will everything I say end up in front of the judge?Short answer: assume everything you say to a parenting coordinator is going to be told to the other parent, and possibly the court.
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect when it comes to confidentiality with parental coordinators in Nevada.
The Bottom Line: Parenting Coordinators Are NOT Private Mediators
Here’s what you need to know right away: A parenting coordinator works as an extension of the court. They’re not a private mediator where everything you say stays locked away forever. This means that unlike purely confidential mediation (where your words can’t be used against you in court), your parenting coordinator may report certain communications or facts directly to the judge – especially when it affects your children’s welfare.
What “Semi-Confidential” Really Means
Think of your conversations with a PC as semi-confidential. Here’s how this plays out in real life:
What STAYS private:
- Your PC won’t broadcast your family issues to random people
- They’re not tape-recording your meetings or creating a public record of every conversation
- If you and the other parent reach an agreement during a session, the specific details of your discussions don’t get filed in court – only the final agreement does
What GETS shared:
- Information will be shared with both parents to maintain fairness
- Serious allegations that affect your child’s safety or welfare will be reported to the court
- Any documents you provide (emails, school records, etc.) might be seen by the other parent or the judge
Real-World Example: How This Actually Works
Let’s say during a session, one parent tells the PC that the other parent showed up drunk to a child exchange. The coordinator isn’t going to ignore this or keep it secret. They might attempt to verify what happened and could include it in a report to the judge if it’s affecting the child’s safety.
But if you’re discussing everyday scheduling conflicts or minor disagreements that get resolved during the session? Those details typically don’t need to reach the judge’s desk.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Say
DO speak openly so the PC can help solve your problems. They need the full picture to be effective.
DON’T think of the PC as “your” confidant. They’re not on your side or the other parent’s side – they’re focused on what’s best for your children.
DO speak respectfully and constructively – as if a judge might eventually read a summary of what you’ve said.
DON’T try to share secrets with the PC that you want kept from the other parent. The coordinator will likely remind you that they may need to share information with both parties for fairness.
If you are not sure if there’s something you should share with the coordinator, speak with your family law attorney. Remember, everything you say to your lawyer is always confidential.
The Document Sharing Reality
Here’s something many parents don’t realize: Any documents or communications you give to the parenting coordinator might be seen by the other parent or the court. Don’t assume that what you hand over will be kept from the other side.
In fact, many coordinators will ask you to copy the other parent or their attorney on anything you send – this keeps the process transparent. The exception might be sensitive documents like your child’s private therapy records, which the PC will handle according to privacy laws.
When Does the Court Get Involved?
The judge generally only hears about issues when:
- The coordinator needs judicial intervention
- One parent isn’t complying with agreements
- An objection is filed to a recommendation
- There’s a safety concern affecting the children
Remember: The coordinator’s primary focus is on outcomes and problem-solving, not cataloguing every disagreement for the court record.
The Key Takeaway
Parenting coordination is not a confidential therapy session – it’s part of the legal process designed to help your family function better. While your personal matters are handled with discretion, the coordinator’s ultimate duty is to the court and your children’s best interests, not to keep secrets between you and them.
You can feel comfortable discussing real issues with your PC, but remember they won’t hide important problems from the court if those issues are preventing your parenting plan from working effectively.
Need help with your custody case or have questions about parental coordinators in Nevada? The experienced family law attorneys at Kelleher & Kelleher can guide you through this process and protect your rights as a parent. Call us today at (702) 384-7494 for a consultation.