Here’s How Working With a Parent Coordinator Can Help You with Jessica Zadjura
If you’ve ever wondered what role a Parent Coordinator plays in the divorce process, you’re not alone. Today, Jessica Zadjura’s pulling back the curtain on how their expertise can support you every step of the way.
Can you introduce yourself—your name, title, and the work you do?
Jessica Zadjura is a Parent Coordinator who helps parents reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and navigate day-to-day co-parenting challenges with a steady, child-focused approach. She provides structure, clarity, and practical strategies that keep families out of constant crisis and away from the courtroom. Her work supports parents in building healthier patterns, managing expectations, and making decisions that prioritize their children’s long term well-being.
What drew you to this profession, and why do you specialize in divorce?
I was drawn to this work because I saw how much stability and clarity families need during some of the most overwhelming moments of their lives. Divorce and custody matters are where clear communication, steady problem solving, and child-centered structure can make the biggest difference. I choose this area because helping families find a healthier path forward is meaningful, necessary, and deeply rewarding.
What exactly does a Parent Coordinator do during the divorce process?
A Parent Coordinator steps in to manage the day-to-day conflict that courts and attorneys are not built to handle. During the divorce process, I help parents communicate more effectively, clarify expectations, and create workable routines so their children are not caught in the crossfire. After the divorce is finalized, I assist with implementing the parenting plan, resolving minor disputes before they escalate, and keeping parents focused on consistent, child-centered decision making.
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about your role?
The biggest misconception is that a Parent Coordinator “takes sides” or makes major legal decisions for the parents. Another common misunderstanding is that the role is only for “high-conflict” families, when in reality it is often most effective for parents who simply need structure, communication support, and consistent follow through. Many people also assume that involving a Parent Coordinator means more drama or cost, when the truth is that it usually prevents repeat crises, repeated motions, and unnecessary returns to court.
At what stage in divorce should someone consider working with a Parent Coordinator?
Parties should consider working with a Parent Coordinator as soon as communication starts breaking down and routine decisions turn into repeated arguments. It is especially helpful once a custody schedule is being discussed, when day-to-day parenting questions start piling up, or when parents find themselves going back to their attorneys for issues that do not truly require court intervention. Many families also bring in a Parent Coordinator after an order is entered to ensure smooth implementation and prevent small problems from becoming full-blown conflicts.
What are the top ways you help clients during divorce?
I support parents by bringing structure, clarity, and steadiness to situations that often feel chaotic. I help them communicate in a productive, forward-focused manner, interpret and implement the parenting plan, and resolve day-to-day conflicts before they grow into formal disputes. I guide parents through practical problem solving when they reach an impasse and keep the decision making centered on their children’s needs. I also ensure that expectations, responsibilities, and routines are clearly understood so both households can operate with consistency. In doing so, I reduce unnecessary attorney involvement and limit the likelihood of repeated returns to court.
How does working with you make the process less overwhelming or stressful?
Working with a Parent Coordinator reduces stress by giving parents a clear, reliable structure for communicating and resolving disagreements. Instead of reacting in the moment or getting stuck in the same arguments, parents gain a steady, neutral professional who helps separate emotion from decision making. I break issues into manageable steps, offer practical solutions, and keep conversations focused on what actually matters for the children. This consistency prevents crises, minimizes attorney involvement, and keeps families out of court. In short, parents feel less overwhelmed because they no longer have to navigate every conflict alone.
What outcomes do your clients usually experience after working with you?
Many families experience clearer communication, fewer day-to-day disputes, and more predictable routines for their children. Parents often report feeling more confident in managing co-parenting decisions and less reactive in high-stress moments. Some families reach lasting, practical agreements that keep them out of court, while others still need periodic legal intervention but with far fewer emergencies or escalated conflicts. Overall, most parents gain stability, structure, and a far more manageable co-parenting dynamic than they had before.
What’s one example of how your work has made a big difference in someone’s divorce journey?
Parent coordination makes a meaningful difference because it gives parents a steady, structured way to manage conflict that the court system simply cannot provide. Instead of reacting in the moment or cycling through the same arguments, parents work with a neutral professional who helps them communicate more effectively, clarify expectations, and problem-solve in real time. The process keeps decisions focused on the children, breaks issues into manageable steps, and reduces the emotional intensity that often derails progress. Even in cases where conflict remains high or litigation is still necessary, parent coordination limits the number of crises, reduces misunderstandings, and creates more predictable routines for both households. In short, it helps families move forward with more stability, less chaos, and a clearer path through difficult transitions.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone thinking about hiring a Parent Coordinator?
The most important advice is to approach the process with openness and a genuine willingness to try new ways of communicating. A Parent Coordinator cannot change the past or force agreement, but the work becomes far more effective when parents are willing to shift habits, focus on the children, and engage with the structure provided. The more both parents lean into the process, the more stability and relief they will experience.
How do you collaborate with other divorce professionals to support clients?
A Parent Coordinator collaborates with other professionals by serving as the steady point of communication that helps keep everyone aligned and informed. I work with attorneys to clarify the scope of the parenting plan, identify issues that need legal interpretation, and ensure parents follow court orders. I coordinate with therapists, counselors, and divorce coaches when emotional or behavioral issues affect co-parenting dynamics, making sure each professional stays within their role while supporting the family’s progress. This teamwork keeps the process efficient, reduces mixed messages, and ensures the parents receive consistent, child-focused support.
Thank you Jessica for sharing your wisdom and experience with the Fresh Starts community! You can learn more about their work by checking out Jessica’s profile below!
Please note that the blogpost above does not represent the thoughts or opinions of Fresh Start Registry and solely represents the original author’s perspective.
