Family law attorneys report mixed experiences with "Parent Coordinators". Some find it to be an effective - method for dispute resolution. Others have found that their client's case was commandeered by a parent coordinator who pressed to modify the court's order or invoked unilateral changes to the custody/visitation arrangement rather than simply helping the parties find effective ways of working within the framework of the existing custody and visitation order. On 8/22/11, the American Psychological Association released its first-ever Guidelines for the Practice of Parenting Coordination. While this may help attorneys monitor parent coordinators, it is important to remember that "guidelines" are not necessarily the equivalent of "standards" nor are they rules, regulations or requirements. The American Psychological Association is a professional organization with voluntary membership and no regulatory authority. Its guidelines, ethical canons and code of conduct apply only to its members. A good Charlottesville Child Custody Attorney will know how to use these guidelines to his or her clients advantage when dealing with parent coordinators who might be improperly expanding his or her role.