High-conflict custody cases often involve chronic instability, mistrust, emotional dysregulation, safety concerns, poor communication, and repeated failures to make or implement shared decisions. In these cases, conventional co-parenting expectations may be unrealistic or even counterproductive. Experienced custody evaluator and clinical psychologist Dr. Todd Dunn and family law attorney, Private Guardian ad Litem, and Special Master Sam Sorensen will examine how family law and mental health professionals can distinguish ordinary co-parenting difficulties from more entrenched conflict requiring greater structure and intervention. The workshop will explore when parallel parenting may be appropriate, how it differs from traditional co-parenting, and how parenting plans can reduce conflict through clearer boundaries, limited communication, structured decision-making, predictable exchanges, and practical safeguards. Attendees will leave with useful strategies for developing realistic, enforceable, and child-focused arrangements that improve stability and reduce conflict for children and parents.