Technology plays an ever-expanding role in our lives, especially in our communication and relationships. The internet’s impact on divorce has been well documented, and social media is often cited in divorce proceedings across the globe. However, not all technology is harmful to relationships, and many former couples are utilizing it to better co-parent their children post-divorce.
What is Co-Parenting?
As previously discussed, co-parenting is when a former couple works together to raise their children after divorce. Stepparents can also be considered co-parents. In an ideal world, ex-spouses would learn how to co-parent effectively, without strain on their reformed relationship or intervention from their attorneys or the court. Unfortunately, not all divorced couples are able to put their differences aside and have a productive co-parenting relationship.
Benefit of Co-Parenting Apps
Both perpetually feuding spouses, as well as those who have remained friendly and amicable, can benefit from co-parenting apps. Smartphone, tablet, and laptop compatible applications open up a new platform for communication between parents, and provides them with the tools necessary to effectively care for their children.
Many co-parenting apps and websites give parties the ability to create and share calendars, correspond via email or chat programs, and organize medical, school, and emergency contact information. Some apps even give parents the option of tracking expenses and child support payments. These mobile organization tools allow users to communicate and manage their co-parenting obligations quickly and conveniently.
The Best Co-Parenting Apps on the Market
The basic functions of most mobile co-parenting applications are the same, and the ease of use will vary depending on the app’s user interface. The team at Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. strive to make our client’s divorces as stress free as possible, and in the spirit of this, we have compiled a list of the best co-parenting apps on the market today.
- Our Family Wizard offers users access to a full service website in addition to a mobile app. Parents can create, share, and edit color coded calendars, to help keep their children’s schedule organized and up-to-date. There are sections of the app dedicated to storing contact information, as well as medical records (such as immunizations). Users also have the option to communicate electronically via a secure messaging system. OFW includes an expense log, making tracking or scheduling child support or unreimbursed medical expenses easy. iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Kindle compatible; annual fee of $99 per user.
- 2Houses markets their services to both divorced and married families. Users will be able to stay hyper organized with color coded calendars (individual and shared), an important contact bank, and graphs, lists, and charts detailing finances. The 2 Houses app comes equipped with a family message board, photo album, and tasks list. This system is meant to be used by the whole family, including children, and parents have the option to restrict which sections of the app this children have access to. iOS and Android compatible; free.
- Custody Junction helps co-parents develop and maintain child custody arrangements. Users can coordinate schedules and plan events or vacations for up to two years in advance. Creating and modifying detailed custody and visitation schedules can be done easily from your mobile device, and are color coded for ease of use. Events, appointments, communication, and information regarding your child’s behavior can be tracked and tagged within the app. Support payment notifications can be set up, ensuring that a child support or alimony payment is made on time. A feature unique to Custody Junction allows parents to grant their attorneys, the court, or other family members permission to access the information stored on the app and website. Reports can be generated for all of the information entered into the application. Currently only a web based service; free 30-day trial, followed by an annual fee of $43.
- Two Happy Homes boasts a wide array of features, including a shared calendar, family message board, a private journal, and expense tracker. Up to date information can be shared amongst users, including important contacts and legal or medical documents, as well as family photos. The family dashboard provides an overview of the user’s calendar, finances, and any messages from the other co-parent. Two Happy Homes strives to build a co-parenting community by giving users access to a blog, divorce and co-parenting articles, and a message board that connects users from across the globe. Website, available on desktop and mobile devices; limited free membership, unlimited membership for $7.49 per parent, per month.
Parenting can be difficult before a divorce, and even more so after. With two households comes new complications, stress, and co-parenting hurdles and headaches to overcome. Utilizing co-parenting apps and websites can help ex’s stay organized, communicate effectively, and build a new and positive co-parenting relationship. For more information on New York divorce and child custody matters, contact the top rated law firm of Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. today!