From conflict to co‑parenting

June 4, 2026 - 07:45

A new online resource aims to help family lawyers guide high-conflict separating parents toward healthier co-parenting arrangements. The Separated Parenting Programme Directory (SPPD) has been launched as a practical tool for legal professionals, offering a curated list of evidence-based programs and services designed to reduce hostility and improve communication between parents.

The directory is not a general list of therapists or mediators. Instead, it focuses specifically on structured interventions that address the unique challenges of parents who are locked in ongoing disputes. These programs often teach skills like managing emotions, focusing on the child's needs, and creating workable parenting plans without court involvement.

Family lawyers can use the SPPD to recommend appropriate local or online courses to their clients. The goal is to shift the focus from winning a legal battle to building a functional parenting relationship. By providing a clear, vetted pathway to support services, the directory helps lawyers move beyond simply giving legal advice.

The initiative responds to a long-standing gap in the family justice system. Many parents leave court with a custody order but no tools to actually work together. The SPPD aims to fill that void, offering a bridge from conflict to cooperation. Early feedback from legal professionals suggests the directory is already helping them have more productive conversations with clients about the real work of parenting apart.