Divorce cases are often driven by two primary components: financial settlements and parenting plans. Financial matters are relatively straightforward—we collect income, assets, liabilities, and debts, run the numbers through a third-party software program, and accept the outcome. Parenting plans, however, are a different challenge altogether. They extend beyond legal agreements, shaping family dynamics long after the case is closed. While a parenting plan might formally end when a child reaches adulthood, the decisions made within it will impact the entire family for decades. Unlike financial calculations, which follow a logical process, parenting plans require a different approach—one that blends negotiation, psychology, and long-term strategy. Many attorneys instinctively focus on legal mechanics, but our role should go further. We must guide clients toward managing what they can control: the process and their own responses. The key to effective parenting plan negotiations isn’t just making legal arguments but understanding the opposing party’s motivations. As Benjamin Franklin wisely stated, “If you would persuade, appeal to interest and not to reason.” By identifying interests rather than focusing on rigid positions, we can help clients find solutions that work in practice, not just on paper. One of the greatest challenges in parenting plan disputes is preparing clients to deal with difficult ex-spouses. No amount of legal maneuvering can change an ex’s behavior, but every client has the power to control their own reactions. Teaching clients to anticipate conflict, manage their expectations, and maintain composure can be just as valuable as any legal strategy. This course offers both new and seasoned attorneys practical tools for approaching parenting plans from the client’s perspective. While legal representation may be temporary, the parenting plan is a lifelong framework that requires ongoing cooperation and adaptation. Attorneys will learn how to: Shift from positional bargaining to interest-based negotiation Navigate impasses and explore alternatives beyond a fully agreed plan Recognize and mitigate cognitive biases that arise in high-conflict divorce cases Equip clients with strategies for maintaining control in toxic co-parenting situations