MN SF2924

Parenting consultants must meet qualifications of a parenting time expeditor under subdivision 2c or marriage and family therapist under section 148B.33, subdivision 1.

Parenting consultants serve as third-party neutrals hired by parties to resolve parenting time disputes and implementation issues from custody orders, but cannot modify custody orders or change parenting time percentages.

Any party may discharge a parenting consultant by written notice to the consultant, court, and all other parties; the court may also discharge a consultant if not serving the child's best interest.

Decisions, determinations, evaluations, and recommendations made by parenting consultants are non-binding on parties and inadmissible as evidence in court proceedings.

Parties may voluntarily agree to submit parenting disputes to neutral third parties or resolve disputes on a voluntary basis outside this framework.