What is a co-parenting app and should I use one?

Navigating co-parenting after a separation can be difficult. Problems can occur due to a lack of communication. As we live in the modern era with technology at our fingertips there are a variety of tools available to try and ease the complexities of co-parenting. There are now a whole host of parenting apps available online which parents can use to help manage their situation.

What is a co-parenting app?

A co-parenting app is a digital platform that allows parents to communicate, shares schedules, and organise parenting responsibilities through a calendar which everyone has access to. As with most apps, there are free or paid for options. Each app has different features and so if you are thinking about using a co-parenting app, you will need to think about which one will best suit your family.

What are the advantages to using a co-parenting app?

1. It keeps everything in one place and creates a clear channel for communication. Everything is stored in one place and so there is no need to sift through emails or text messages to find a particular conversation.
2. Messages cannot be modified as they are date and time stamped. This can help parents remain amicable and reduce the likelihood of hostility towards one another. They make parents accountable for what they say and do through the app.
3. They allow you to sync and update schedules/calendars.
4. It helps both parents stay involved in their children’s lives.

What are the disadvantages of using a co-parenting app?

1. They can be seen as an unnecessary expense (if a subscription is required) and other free methods of communication can be used.
2. There could be arguments if the app is misused by parents.
3. In some circumstances, there may be concerns about privacy for parents and children if their schedules/details are on the app.

Which app should I use?

There are lots of different apps available and it is important that you research which is likely to suit your family best as they all have different features. Here are a few of the most popular apps:

Our Family Wizard –  OurFamilyWizard | The Best Coparenting App

2 Houses – Divorced parents web & mobile app

App Close  AppClose – The Best Co-Parenting App

Talking Parents – Best Co-Parenting Tools for Child Custody | TalkingParents

Co-parenting apps can be an invaluable tool in certain circumstances. They can reduce conflict, create a clear channel of communication and ensure that arrangements are dealt with as smoothly as possible. However, sometimes things may crop up that cannot be resolved by an app such as disagreements about arrangements or welfare concerns. If you would like to discuss any issues you are having with the other parent, please do get in touch by calling 01603 679050 or emailing info@bblfamilylaw.com.

*bbl family law does not endorse any of the apps contained in this article but they have been included based on use by clients.

 **The information provided in this article is designed to provide useful information on the subject, not to provide specific legal advice.

 

 

Written by Emerald Priscott