High-conflict couples who vie for power and control are hardly ideal candidates for informal negotiations, especially since a willingness to cooperate is essential to successful outcomes. High-conflict spouses may, however, hire a divorce attorney to negotiate their positions on their behalf.
Both mediation and arbitration are forms of alternate dispute resolution (ADR). The latter is far more structured than mediation. However, high-conflict couples who are vehemently opposed to collaborating on the future of their children may find arbitration services appropriate.
Via either mediation or arbitration, high-conflict couples have an opportunity to come to a child custody agreement that warrants court approval. This binding parenting agreement compels each party to adhere to the negotiated details or be subject to the legal consequences.