January 2026

High-conflict co-parenting occurs when separated, divorced, or never married parents remain locked in ongoing disputes marked by hostility, mistrust, and poor communication. While conflict between adults is not uncommon after a relationship ends, high-conflict dynamics are different in both intensity and duration—and they can have serious emotional and psychological consequences for children caught in the middle. At its core, high-conflict co-parenting is usually less about the child’s needs and more about unresolved issues between parents. Communication may be frequent but unproductive, often revolving around blame, control, or past grievances. Simple decisions about school, schedules, or healthcare can escalate into major