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972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN
a blue and orange check mark with the letter w on it as the Wilson Whitaker Rynell Logo

Parenting Coordination vs Parenting Facilitation

Chelsea Lankford • October 27, 2023

In Texas, the intricacies of co-parenting after divorce or separation can be challenging, particularly in high-conflict situations. Two roles emerge in this landscape: the Parenting Coordinator and the Parenting Facilitator. While both work to ease the communication between parents and ensure the child's best interest, they have unique nuances that differentiate them.

Parenting Coordinator Compared To Parenting Facilitator

A Parenting Coordinator is a specialist, skilled in areas like family services or law, who assists separated parents in managing child-related disputes. Their role is to foster communication and reduce conflicts, guiding parents towards mutual decisions without enforcing binding rulings. Before their appointment by a court, a hearing is conducted to determine if the case is high-conflict or if a coordinator's involvement serves the child's best interest. The only grounds to contest this appointment are cases of domestic violence. However, even then, a court might proceed with the appointment, ensuring protective measures are in place for the parent and child's safety.


A Parenting Facilitator is a professional appointed by the court to assist families, especially in complex situations where guidance on specific procedures is needed. Unlike some other family roles, their interactions with the family are not confidential. This means that they can be summoned to testify in court about their observations and interactions. Additionally, when directed by the court, a parenting facilitator is obligated to submit a report. This report can offer recommendations designed to clarify or implement certain provisions of the existing court order, ensuring they align with the court's intent and serve the child(ren)'s best interests. However, it's essential to note that their reports cannot touch upon changes in conservatorship, support, or possession arrangements.

  • Parenting Coordination (PC)

    A Parenting Coordinator (PC) in Texas stands as a neutral third party, often with a background in mental health or legal fields. Their primary role is to assist parents in implementing an already established parenting plan. They work closely with both parties to ensure that the plan's terms are understood and followed. By mediating minor disputes and offering recommendations, the Parenting Coordinator acts as a buffer, reducing direct conflict between parents. However, their decisions aren't legally binding.

  • Parenting Facilitator (PF)

    Parenting Facilitator dives a bit deeper into the conflict resolution process. While they share many of the same responsibilities as the PC, a Parenting Facilitator in Texas wields more authority. They possess the ability to make reports to the court about parental compliance and other pertinent issues. Given this authority, their recommendations might carry more weight in legal contexts.

Navigating The Parent Facilitation Process

Navigating the intricate pathways of post-divorce co-parenting can be a challenging endeavor, but working with a parenting facilitator can make the process smoother and more constructive. Parenting Facilitators and Parenting Coordinators, as professionals trained to assist divorced individuals in their co-parenting journeys, play an essential role in helping to mitigate conflicts and create harmonious parenting plans. If you're a divorced individual keen on maximizing the benefits of working with a facilitator, there are several guidelines and strategies you should consider. Firstly, it's crucial to approach the situation with an open mind. Divorce often comes with a myriad of emotions, and it's not uncommon for resentment or frustration to linger. However, when engaging with a parenting facilitator, setting these emotions aside and focusing on the well-being of the children becomes paramount. Demonstrating willingness to listen and compromise can not only aid in making the sessions more productive but can also foster an environment where both parents feel heard and validated. Furthermore, honesty is key. Being truthful about your concerns, needs, and desires ensures that the facilitator has a clear understanding of the situation and can provide guidance accordingly. Masking or downplaying issues can lead to ineffective solutions and potentially exacerbate existing problems down the line. Remember, the facilitator is there to help, not judge.


Equally important is the aspect of clear communication. It's beneficial to articulate your expectations from the onset. By establishing what you hope to achieve from the sessions, you can align your goals with the facilitator's objectives, making the collaboration more goal-oriented and result-driven. With digital technology becoming an integral part of our lives, consider leveraging tools and apps that facilitate co-parenting. These platforms can be excellent mediums for transparent communication, scheduling, and sharing essential child-related information, and your facilitator can guide you in utilizing them effectively. While the realm of post-divorce co-parenting is marked by a sense of unfamiliarity, educating yourself can be empowering. Read up on best practices, attend workshops, or join support groups. Knowledge about the nuances of co-parenting can aid in understanding its challenges, and when combined with the expertise of a parenting facilitator, can make for a potent combination that ensures the best interests of the children are always prioritized.


Moreover, patience is indispensable. Co-parenting doesn't transform overnight, and there will be moments of disagreement and contention. Rather than viewing these as setbacks, perceive them as opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your co-parenting strategies. The facilitator's role is to guide, but the onus of implementing and adhering to the strategies lies with the parents. Thus, practicing patience and resilience can go a long way in ensuring long-term success. Additionally, it's vital to remember that every family is unique, and what works for one might not necessarily work for another. Avoid the pitfall of comparing your situation with others. Your journey with the parenting facilitator is tailored to your unique circumstances, and it's this customization that ensures the devised strategies resonate with your family's specific needs.


The essence of successful co-parenting post-divorce hinges on collaboration, clear communication, and commitment to the well-being of the children. Leveraging the expertise of a parenting facilitator can significantly aid in this endeavor. By approaching the process with an open mind, being honest, communicating clearly, equipping oneself with knowledge, practicing patience, and understanding the uniqueness of one's situation, divorced individuals can work synergistically with facilitators, ensuring that the transition into this new phase of life is as smooth and constructive as possible. Remember, the primary goal is the happiness and well-being of the children, and with the right approach, this objective is well within reach.

Who Decides If A Parenting Coordinator Is Needed?

Parenting post-separation presents a set of unique challenges, particularly when decisions about children lead to recurrent disagreements. In such instances, the involvement of a parenting coordinator can be invaluable. The decision to engage a parenting coordinator can originate from various avenues.


  • Challenges of Post-Separation Parenting:
  • Recurrent disagreements over child-related decisions.
  • The need for external guidance and mediation.
  • Introduction of Parenting Coordinator:
  • By the Court: After assessing ongoing conflicts and the need for intervention.
  • Mutual Agreement: Parents recognizing the benefit and opting for a coordinator's assistance.
  • Professional Recommendation: Therapists, legal representatives, or other professionals suggesting the use of a coordinator.
  • Primary Objective:
  • Ensuring decisions prioritize the child's best interests.
  • Streamlining communication and decision-making between parents.


Regardless of the source of the recommendation, the primary objective remains consistent: to ensure child-related decisions are made harmoniously and with the child's welfare as the paramount consideration.

Benefits Of Parenting Coordinators And Parenting Facilitators

  • Objective Perspective:
  • Reduces emotional volatility.
  • Helps parents prioritize children's best interests.
  • Effective Communication:
  • Introduces strategies to improve dialogue between parents.
  • Fosters a collaborative co-parenting environment.
  • Quicker Resolution:
  • Diminishes the duration of disagreements.
  • Reduces financial costs linked to prolonged disputes.
  • Decreased Court Visits:
  • Mediates minor conflicts, eliminating the need for frequent court involvement.
  • Alleviates emotional and financial burdens of litigation.
  • Structured Decision-Making:
  • Provides a consistent framework for resolving disputes.
  • Promotes stability and predictability for children.
  • Child Well-being:
  • Reduces children's exposure to parental disputes.
  • Safeguards their emotional well-being during transitions.


Essential Tips to Working With Coordinators and Facilitators

  • Openness & Respect:
  • Maintain transparent communication about your concerns and goals, while ensuring all interactions remain respectful, even during disagreements.
  • Child-Centered Approach:
  • Prioritize the best interests of the child in all decisions and be open to compromise and finding middle ground.
  • Active Participation:
  • Attend all meetings punctually, practice active listening, and utilize recommended resources to fully engage in the process.
  • Emotional Management:
  • While emotions can be intense, approach sessions with a level head, focusing on productive and objective discussions.
  • Understand Coordinator's Role:
  • Recognize that the coordinator is there to guide and facilitate, not to enforce binding decisions. Feedback and collaboration are crucial for success.
A person is holding a cell phone in front of a book titled artificial intelligence
By John Wilson February 19, 2025
Copyright and Translated Content: Who Owns the Creative Rights? Understanding Copyright Law and Translation Copyright law protects creative work and bestows sole authority over the work upon the creators. For example, the owner of the work of a novel has the right over the work under the concept of the right under the copyright. Courts have found that “the degree of protection afforded by the copyright is measured by what is actually copyrightable in the publication and not by the entire publication.” See, e.g., Dorsey v. Old Sur. Life Ins. Co., 98 F.2d 872, 873 (10th Cir. 1938) (emphasis added). For translations, the situation is not very clear. Translations involve creative judgments over word translation and not the translation of mere words. Hence the knowledge about the applicability of the concept of the right over the work is essential for establishing the right over the work. For example, a Court in the Northern District of California stated that: “ the determinative question is whether Plaintiff holds a valid copyright. ” Signo Trading Intern. Ltd. v. Gordon, 535 F. Supp. 362, 363 (N.D. Cal. 1981). The Signo Trading Court dismissed Plaintiff’s infringement claims because plaintiff did not have a valid copyright as a matter of law in the translations and transliterations at issue because they lacked the “requisite originality.” Id. at 365. Can Translation Be Considered a Creative Process? The Practice of Translating Translation goes beyond the replacement of one word by the equivalent word from the source text. Translating literary work, poetry, and fiction with deeper meanings beyond the surface text is a complex, artistic process. Translating books like The Iliad, for instance, requires the practice of artistic translation to translate the emotions, thoughts, and the culture correctly. Technical Translations and Legal Translations Conversely, technical writing and texts for the law need less creativity and instead value correctness over all else. These writing forms require strict adherence to the original sense, leaving very little room for artistic interpretation. Translations for these writing forms thus typically involve less creative contribution and less potential for the work being protected by copyright. Why Is Creativity Important for Translations for Copyright? Originality when translating For a work to be subject to copyright, some creativity, however slight, is essential. Even when the translation is taken from the work, the translation also includes some creative work by the translator. This creativity can make the translation subject to copyright. A derivative work must “recast, transform[], or adapt[]” a preexisting work and “consist[] of editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications which, as a whole, represent an original work of authorship.” Id. In other words, it must change or alter the pre-existing work’s content and must itself be an original work of authorship. The Supreme Court stated that “ [t]he sine qua non of copyright is originality ” and that “ [t]o qualify for copyright protection, a work must be original to the author. ” Feist Publ’ns, Inc. v. Rural Tel. Serv. Co., Inc., 499 U.S. 340, 361 (1991) at 345. “Original, as the term is used in copyright, means only that the work was independently created by the author (as opposed to copied from other works), and that it possesses at least some minimal degree of creativity.” Id. (citing 1 M. Nimmer & D. Nimmer, Copyright §§ 2.01[A], [B] (1990)). In granting a Rule 12 motion to dismiss, the Signo Trading Court held that: " It is inconceivable that anyone could copyright a single word or a commonly used short phrase, in any language. It is also inconceivable that a valid copyright could be obtained for a phonetic spelling, using standard Roman letters, of such words or phrases. Although lists of words and translations of larger works may be copyrightable, Plaintiff cannot claim credit for any of the elements which make those things copyrightable. For these reasons, Plaintiff does not hold a valid copyright on the translations or transliterations ... " Signo Trading, 535 F. Supp. at 365. The Problem of the Derivative Work However, translations are generally "derivative works" - derived from the work of another. Because of this, the owner or author of the work is generally required to agree to the translation. Translations made illegally can be held under the classification of copyright violations, even when the translator has added creative elements. Who Has the Right over the Translated Work? Employer-Commissioned Translations Ownership of the copyright for the translation work varies. If the translation is commissioned by the owner of the original work, the owner will retain the right. Even when the translator adds creativity by passing over the original emotions and thoughts, the owner will not necessarily lose the right over the translation work. In some circumstances, the translation work can be accredited by the translator without them holding the right over the work. Independent Translations If a translation is performed independently by the translator, the translator can even be identified as the co-author of the translation. Nevertheless, the author typically has the underlying copyright, restricting the translator’s right over the work. Creative Translations from the Public Domain In certain cases, a translation may be creative enough to warrant its own copyright. For example, a translator adapting a classic work or a book in the public domain into modern language may introduce enough originality to qualify for copyright protection. However, direct, word-for-word translations are typically not considered original enough to receive new copyright protection. What About Machine Translations? The Human Creativity Copyright Requirement Machine-generated translations, including those produced by platforms like OpenAI , operate through advanced algorithms that replicate language patterns rather than capture the human touch. Unlike translations crafted by human translators who often infuse cultural insight and genuine emotion into the work, OpenAI's output is rooted in statistical patterns and data. Consequently, while these translations are impressively efficient and accurate, they typically fall short of the originality required for copyright protection. This distinction underscores the human creativity requirement needed to secure a valid copyright . Ultimately, although machine-generated translations serve as powerful tools, they do not offer the same legal and creative protections as those provided by human translators. The Bottom Line: Navigating Copyright in Translations Translations occupy the middle ground under the law of the copyright. Albeit the right of the original author generally has the right under the copyright, the right under the copyright can also be claimed by the translator provided the translation is creative enough. Central considerations here include the creativity the translator has added, the nature of the work being translated, and whether the work is under the public domain. These considerations establish the right of the owner under the copyright for the translation. Why Wilson Whitaker Rynell for Your Copyright Work? At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our professional lawyers specialize in the practice of copyright law and copyright litigation , including the complex subject matter of translation work. We can provide you with advice about the ownership of your work under the provisions of the copyright, and protect your creative property. If you are the author, the publisher, or the translator, you can rely upon the advice from our firm. Copyright Translation FAQS
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For one, they often have experience working on issues that disproportionately affect women in divorce such as spousal support (alimony), child custody disputes, and asset division. Additionally, female divorce lawyers offer a unique level of empathy, understanding, and communication. As a result, many clients feel that they are more approachable and compassionate, which is beneficial when dealing with the emotional turmoil of the process. More importantly, female divorce attorneys are more familiar with how the court treats women in divorce cases and use this knowledge to strategically protect their clients’ interests, whether male or female. Why Our Female Divorce Attorneys May be Right for You At Wilson Whitaker Rynell, our female divorce attorneys are skilled, knowledgeable professionals, they also have many years of experience in handling complex divorce cases. Whether it’s issues surrounding custody of children, alimony, or asset division, our female divorce lawyers ensure each client receives high-quality legal advice. Our firm’s female divorce attorneys provide the highest level of personal attention, ensuring that each client’s unique needs and concerns are addressed through every step. Unique Challenges Women Face in Family Law Disputes in Texas Family law disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex, especially for women navigating the process in Texas. Women often encounter unique challenges due to their roles in the marriage and family dynamic, particularly when it comes to child custody, child support, and the division of marital assets. Child Custody Challenges In many marriages, women take on the primary caregiving role for their children. However, when it comes to custody decisions, courts in Texas prioritize the best interests of the child over parental gender. While this often works in favor of mothers, women may still face hurdles in proving they are better suited to provide the stable environment the child needs, especially if their ex-spouse disputes custody. Factors such as work schedules, living arrangements, and financial stability can come under scrutiny. Child Support Issues While Texas law allows women to seek child support, collecting these payments can sometimes prove difficult. Women awarded child support may find themselves dealing with ex-spouses who delay payments, make partial payments, or refuse to pay altogether. Enforcing child support orders often requires legal intervention, which can add to the emotional and financial strain. Division of Marital Assets In Texas, a community property state, marital assets are typically divided equitably during divorce. Women who are awarded assets such as the family home may face challenges related to maintaining the property, refinancing a mortgage, or covering associated expenses. 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Help you create the future you want by offering trusted legal advice. Use efficient methods to minimize unnecessary costs and keep the process manageable. Navigating family law disputes requires a thorough understanding of Texas family law and strong advocacy. Women facing divorce or other family law issues are encouraged to seek an experienced family law attorney who can provide personalized guidance. A skilled lawyer can help craft a strategy that protects their rights and ensures a fair resolution. This includes representing their interests in court, negotiating settlements, and helping enforce orders such as child support or spousal maintenance.
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Understanding Writs of Execution in Texas: A Layperson’s Guide If a court determines that someone owes money to another party, the debtor—referred to as the "judgment debtor"—typically has 30 days to pay off the debt. If the debt remains unpaid after this time, the creditor, or "judgment creditor," can take legal action to enforce the payment through a Writ of Execution . This legal process, governed by Texas law, enables creditors to collect what they are owed by seizing and selling the debtor’s non-exempt assets. What Is a Writ of Execution? Under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 629 , a Writ of Execution is a court order that authorizes a sheriff or constable to seize the debtor’s property to satisfy the debt. This writ is an essential tool for creditors when voluntary repayment has not occurred. Once the writ is issued, it is handed over to a county constable or sheriff, who is required to act “without delay” in collecting the debtor’s real and personal property. The seized property is then sold, and the proceeds are used to pay off the debt. If multiple writs are filed against the same debtor, the assets are distributed in the order the writs were received. What Property Can Be Seized Under a Writ of Execution? Texas law is very specific about which types of property can and cannot be seized to satisfy a judgment. Exempt Property Certain assets are protected from seizure under Texas Property Code § 41.001. These include: The debtor’s homestead (primary residence) Wages earned from employment Professionally prescribed health aids Workers’ compensation benefits College savings plans Some insurance benefits Personal property valued up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for families Unique to Texas, the law also protects items like family Bibles, two firearms, pets, and for rural residents, livestock (e.g., 12 head of cattle and 120 fowl). This extensive list reflects Texas's cultural heritage and values. Non-Exempt Property Assets that are generally not exempt include: Vacation homes Timeshares Pleasure boats Airplanes Jewelry exceeding certain value thresholds The specific procedures for seizing different types of property are detailed in Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 639 . Can a Writ of Execution Be Avoided? Judgment debtors have a few options to avoid the execution of a writ: Filing a Supersedeas Bond A supersedeas bond can temporarily halt enforcement of the writ. This bond, filed with the county clerk or justice of the peace, preserves the status quo while the debtor seeks further legal remedies. This option is governed by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 634 . Challenging the Execution Debtors can file a claim for wrongful execution in situations such as: The debt has already been paid Exempt property is being seized The levy is excessive Additionally, courts take extra care to protect property classified as a homestead under Texas Property Code § 41.002(c) . When only one spouse is responsible for the debt, Texas Family Code § 3.202(a) and related provisions provide guidance on levying against community or separate property. The Role of County Officials in Executing the Writ Once the writ is issued, its enforcement falls on county officials, typically a sheriff or constable. These officials must act in accordance with Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 34.072 , which requires them to execute the writ and report back to the court. They must: Give proper notice of the sale of seized property Ensure the proceeds are appropriately delivered to the creditor Avoid overstepping legal boundaries, such as seizing exempt property Failing to execute the writ properly can result in serious consequences, where a sheriff’s refusal to levy on a property initially listed as exempt (but later deemed abandoned) led to court action and damages awarded to the creditor. Preventing Fraudulent Transfers One challenge creditors face is when debtors attempt to hide or transfer assets to avoid collection. To address this, Texas follows the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act under Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.001 et seq .. This act provides legal remedies to creditors when a debtor’s transfer of assets is deemed fraudulent. Effect of a Defendant's Death on Writs of Execution Under Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 34.072 , the death of a defendant after a writ of execution is issued halts execution proceedings. However, any lien acquired from the writ's levy is still enforceable by the county court when paying off the deceased's debts. Why Proper Execution Of The Writ Is Crucial The rules for filing and serving a Writ of Execution are strict and detailed. Missteps, such as filing the writ in the wrong county, failing to serve the proper parties, or missing key deadlines, can lead to delays or even render the writ ineffective. Both creditors and debtors must ensure compliance with these rules to avoid unnecessary complications. For creditors, failure to properly enforce the writ could mean losing the opportunity to collect on a judgment. For debtors, not responding appropriately to a writ could result in the loss of valuable assets, even those that might have been exempt.
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