How Online Apps Can Enhance Post-Divorce Co-Parenting

Divorce is the end of a marriage, but when children are involved, it’s the beginning of a new chapter: co-parenting. The details of jointly caring for children can be burdensome and contentious, especially when there are hurdles to communication. Fortunately, technology offers a helping hand in the form of online co-parenting apps.

These apps act as a central hub for all activity related to your children. The benefits include:

• Improved information exchange — Co-parenting apps eliminate the potential for confusion through text messages or phone calls. Everything is documented and readily accessible in one location.
• Reduced conflict — By streamlining communication and fostering transparency with shared calendars and expense tracking, these apps can help prevent misunderstandings and disagreements.
• Enhanced organization — Juggling schedules, expenses and information between two households can be overwhelming. Co-parenting apps help keep everything organized, freeing you up to focus on your relationship with your children.
• Peace of mind — Knowing that communication is clear and essential details are documented provides a sense of security and stability for both parents and children.

Here’s a sampling of some popular co-parenting apps:

• OurFamilyWizard — This court-recognized app boasts a comprehensive suite of features, including a shared calendar with automatic confirmations, a tamper-proof messaging system, and an expense tracker with electronic receipt storage. Ideal for high-conflict situations, it offers detailed logs for legal documentation.
• Coparently — This user-friendly app provides one-stop shopping for co-parenting needs. Its color-coded calendar helps visualize schedules, while a secure messaging center facilitates clear communication. Shared expenses are easily tracked and recorded and an online directory keeps important information readily accessible. 
• AppClose — This app caters to both co-parents and extended family. It streamlines communication, scheduling and expense tracking. Its unique feature is AppClose Solo, which allows you to send requests or scheduled events to non-connected parties, like babysitters or grandparents, for easy approval or decline.
• Cozi — This multi-purpose app goes beyond just co-parenting. While it offers a shared calendar, to-do lists and shopping lists, its strength lies in collaborative meal planning, a great way to ensure healthy and consistent meals for your children across households.

These are just a few examples. The ideal app for you depends on your specific needs and communication style. An experienced family law attorney can help you select effective tools for communicating with your ex on parenting issues. 

The Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo represents clients throughout Western New York in all aspects of child custody. Call us at 716-886-9600 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.