High-conflict parenting matters often demand a disproportionate amount of time, resources, and emotional energy. These disputes are not only costly and draining for clients but also place a significant burden on the court system. High-conflict parenting disputes require special considerations to ensure you are putting your client’s interests forward in a way that is most effective. As family law counsel, your role is to advocate zealously for your client—without exacerbating conflict or misusing court resources. Striking this balance requires thoughtful, strategic advocacy.

In this session, hear directly from the Honourable Madam Justice Melanie Kraft, Bill Eddy (High Conflict Institute), and experienced family law practitioners about how to navigate these challenging cases effectively and ethically. Topics will include:

• Oral and Written Advocacy: Tips for being concise, focused, and persuasive in your written materials and court submissions.

• Professionalism: Strategies for maintaining civility between counsel, even when your clients are in deep conflict.

• Working with Self-Represented Litigants: How to communicate effectively, respectfully, and in line with your obligations.

• Duties to the Court: Understanding your responsibilities when the other side is unrepresented, including how to assist the court without compromising your client’s position.

• Managing Client Expectations: Best practices for communicating with your own client—balancing transparency, strategy, and the importance of not fueling the conflict.

• Understanding High-Conflict Personalities: How to recognize high-conflict behaviors, set boundaries, use structured communication strategies (such as BIFF responses), and reduce escalation while still advocating effectively for your client.