The Senate Civil Law committee heard SB 250 addressing parenting coordinators authored by Sen. Buck. Sen. Buck introduced the bill explaining he is concerned about the well-being of children in high conflict custody cases. The bill allows for the appointment of parenting coordinators to assist in disputes regarding custody and parenting matters. The bill also provides qualification requirements of a parenting coordinator, terms of appointment of a parenting coordinator, and termination of parenting coordinator services. Lastly, the bill requires a parenting coordinator to remain impartial and meet confidentiality requirements. Sen. Buck then introduced an amendment to assign the topic of the use of parenting coordinators in resolving custody disputes to an interim study committee for further analysis. The senator explained that this amendment was submitted based upon his subsequent understanding of an Indiana Supreme Court proposal under advisement for parenting coordination guidelines.
The amendment was adopted by consent. Jane Seigel, Indiana Judicial Center, testified supporting the amendment and the bill passed 6-0.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/bills/senate/250