The question in the title of this post is a common one, and there is still a lot of confusion in the public sphere about the difference between these two modalities of family dispute resolution (also known as FDR).

PC (parenting coordination or parenting coordinator) and PM (parenting mediation or parenting mediator) are similar in some respects but materially different in others. When you are searching for a professional to assist you in dealing with parenting issues arising out of a separation, it is important to understand the difference between these two modalities so you can target your search to the right individual and the right process.

Separated couples often have difficulty communicating effectively. Reasons for this state of affairs are many but include the fact that often strong emotions like anger, disappointment, mistrust and even hopes for vengeance spill into the couple’s dealings with one another. Separated parents can also find communication challenging and this time, their difficulties in this area can truly impact how they parent and whether their children’s needs are actually being met.