Sometimes, we realize we live in the future. Like when most of the difficult tasks we need to do, can be many times managed or are less complicated thanks to an app. One of these amazing examples is the variety of co-parenting apps.
Co-parents need to be organized. One of the key factors of doing it successfully is using all the tools that you have in hand. Not only scheduling-wise. You need to deal with finances, custody issues, clothes in two homes, important contacts, medical records, etc. Disagreements can get really complex and I’ve seen countless arguments turn into new court dates regarding a child’s custody.
This is very upsetting for a child. According to psychologists, one of the things that will mostly harm children is not so much divorce or separation, but all the conflict that can develop after it. And of course, it will be hard considering now there are two households and different schedules to keep track of.
So, you’ll need an app that does not only helps you organize but also lets you have an extra ally to avoid conflict as much as possible.
Features To Look For
Before we dive in, here are some features you want to look for when choosing a co-parenting app:
- Calendar: number one thing to keep track and keep the time between both parents organized and clear. This
- Finances: Keep track of your child’s expenses and plan for the upcoming one.
- Messages: Keep your communication in one place and avoid misunderstandings. You know that using your kids as messengers can be the recipe for disaster. You can look back at any time and check if a certain event or expense was set in the app. That way, your communication will be transparent and less difficult.
- Document storage: Keep track of your kid’s information. From school-related to medical and even what shoe size they wear.
- Mobile and web access: This might seem like a minor detail, but you might need this in case you need to have everything in one place.
- Mediator help: Sometimes, reaching an agreement might require some extra help. Several apps can even grant access to your lawyer. Many of these apps can even be used as proof if there is the need to take a conflict to court, so you might also want to look for that guarantee.
Best Co-Parenting Apps
2Houses
This is one of the most popular apps for co-parenting, not only in the US but in several countries. It’s user-friendly and will even summarize information via cool graphics.
Special features: lets you store photos and medical information. Also, includes time-swap requests, because no plan is perfect.
One of the most valuable features offered by 2 Houses is its Co-Parent Calendar, which will allow you to share information about your schedules and your kids’ schedules with your former partner so that you’ll be able to more efficiently plan your children’s weeks. For example, you’ll be able to jot down your kids’ extracurricular activities such as dance practices and football games on your shared family planner.
There is also a finance section that will allow you to make note of your children’s expenses and the funds which you have contributed towards your children’s upbringing. In case you want to split the cost of some expenses such as school fees, food, or clothing for your kids.
Lastly, 2 House allows you to upload photos and videos to a journal, which will allow you to share the content of your kids with your ex-spouse. For example, if you take a cute video of your kids at Disneyland you may want to share your journal in order to share it with your ex-spouse and vice versa. As there are times when they may have memories that they would like to share with you.
Operating System: Android and iOs and has also web access available
Price: $9.99 per month
Coparently
Another app that lets you set everything in order. Unfortunately, this app sets a little more priority to the calendar and does not store documents or let you do time-swap requests. So if you mainly require help with your organization.
Special features: Lets you save important contact information like a doctor’s office number, teacher’s number, etc.
Coparently also offers a valuable expense management tool that will make tracking which parent has paid which expenses a breeze. This is particularly handy if you want to split your child-related expenses evenly.
One of Coparently’s unique features allows you to share limited access to your family calendar with caregivers such as grandparents, step-parents or babysitters as well as with your kids. Don’t worry your kids or any other users won’t be able to read the private conversations between you and your ex-spouse. As these conversations will remain private.
Operating system: Mobile and Web
Price: $9.99 per month or $99.00 per year (per parent)
Our Family Wizard
Some parenting sites recommend this as one of the top-co parenting apps. It has one of the best interfaces and mobile apps. This app offers a key advantage: in case needed, messages, documents, and communication from it can be used in court.
Special features: A “tone meter”, a tool that lets you make an “emotional spell-check” on all your messages. This will help you avoid conflict as much as you can.
Also, you can grant access to your lawyer and can contact a mediator in case it is necessary. So you will have it all in one.
One of Our Family Wizard’s distinctive tools is its check-in tool, which will allow both parents in order to track their children’s phones to find out where they are. If you are worried about keeping tabs on your kid’s whereabouts when they are staying with your ex-spouse, you may want to use Our Family Wizard as your co-parenting app of choice.
Another reason why Our Family Wizard is an excellent app is that under your notification panel, you’ll instantly be able to see how many unread messages you have, how many outstanding expenses you have, and how many upcoming events you need to check out.
When it comes to payments, you’ll be able to request reimbursement payments and make quick and easy payments to your ex-spouse, with just a few clicks.
Operating system: iOs, Android and Web Access
Price: $99.00 a year (but also has bundled packages and options)
Coparenter
If you are not on the best terms with your ex-spouse and find effective communication with your ex-spouse particularly challenging, you may want to download Coparenter. As it offers mediation services, which will allow you to reach a fair solution when you have a disagreement. Which you’ll find useful if you frequently have heated arguments about who’s turn it is to get your kids for the weekend or who should pick up your kids from a birthday party.
As well as being able to access mediation services, you’ll also be able to access coaching which will teach you how to communicate more effectively as co-parents for the wellbeing of your children.
Another advantage to using Coparenter is that you can still make an account if your ex-spouse is not interested in using it. As you’ll still be able to use its handy calendar feature and to export financial documents, which you’ll be able to email to your ex-spouse. So, if you’re the only one who is interested in using a parenting app to help make co-parenting your kids easier, it’s still well worth looking into downloading Coparenter.
Special features: Unlimited mediation included
Operating system: Mobile Access
Price: $12.99 per month
App Close
This co-parenting app offers great communication and compatibility with all involved in your child’s life (regardless of whether they use the app or not).
Special features: Will let you store and record all the information related to your child’s circle: friends and family contact information, doctor’s office number, etc. Also, it will let you make requests for future expenses (aside from keeping track of them).
One tool that is definitely worth exploring is AppClose, which will allow you to share vital information about your kids with trusted individuals such as aunts and uncles, grandparents, step-parents, babysitters, and babysitters. For example, you’ll be able to share allergy information with select individuals, which is handy if your kids have a serious allergy to a food group such as nuts or berries.
AppClose Solo is a handy feature that will allow you to send specific information to individuals such as extended family members who don’t have the AppClose app installed via your choice of email, text message, or social media.
You can also arrange to use AppClose in order to receive payments and send payments through ipayou. This is handy if you want to share expenses with your ex-partner.
Operating system: Mobile Access
Price: Free
Do you use any of these apps? Which one do you find more practical or that helps you the most with all your co-parenting needs?
It’s not an easy process, but with the right family law attorney, you can leverage the ways that the situation is treated and come through the experience more financially prepared. Talk to a professional in Summit Family Law by calling us at (256) 769-0508 or contacting us through our contact form.
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