Are co-parenting conversations causing you stress or anxiety? Do you need a way to sync calendars or organize receipts between households?
Co-parenting after separation or divorce can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming. Co-parenting apps are here to help, and we compared the most popular ones for you.
What is a co-parenting app?
A co-parenting app is a smartphone application that helps separated or divorced parents communicate, plan, and share information concerning their shared children. These apps require parties to make individual accounts that they link together. Once the accounts are linked, users generally can access features such as a shared calendar, an expense tracker, and an information log for their children. Most apps also offer a secure messaging platform.
Why should you use a co-parenting app?
A co-parenting app can help parents:
- Stay organized by offering a central location for important information.
- Create boundaries by engaging in communication through a single platform.
- Stay involved in, and informed about, their child’s life.
- Share and track responsibilities so both parties are on the same page.
Another advantage of using a co-parenting app is that most co-parenting apps create a permanent and downloadable record of all communications on the app. This feature can be especially useful in holding co-parents accountable for their actions and for providing a method to present communications to an attorney or court if necessary.
Which co-parenting app should you use?
When choosing a co-parenting app, consider your individual needs. Do you have an amicable relationship with your co-parent, but are struggling to establish a schedule when it comes to pick-ups and drop offs? Are you having difficulty keeping track of the expenses related to your child? Do you have a tense relationship with your co-parent and are concerned about keeping them accountable for irresponsible or harassing behavior? Different co-parenting apps may be best suited for each scenario.
Here, we have compared some of the most popular co-parenting apps to help you decide which app, if any, might be the right fit for you. Note that this information has been updated as of September 9, 2022. Some information may change over time.
Great for: co-parents with a contentious relationship
OurFamilyWizard
- Available on the web, iOS, & Android
- App Store Rating: 4.6
- Cost: $12.00/month for basic, per person
- Free Trial: None, but refund offered if unhappy after 30 days
OurFamilyWizard offers a calendar, finance tracker, information bank, document sharing platform, and journal for sharing photos and notes with other users. The journal allows users to use GPS check-ins to verify their presence at exchanges and other locations. OurFamilyWizard also offers a secure messaging platform with an unalterable message history. This messaging platform includes a unique feature called “ToneMeter,” which identifies and flags emotionally charged phrases while typing.
OurFamilyWizard is a widely used app with many features. Its GPS check-in and ToneMeter features make it best suited for parents who are having difficulty communicating and who are interested in keeping a detailed record of their exchanges and whereabouts. Notably, OurFamilyWizard also offers a fee waiver program for parents who are unable to pay for their subscription.
Great for: sharing information, media, and moments with your co-parent
2houses
- Available on the web, iOS, & Android
- App Store Rating: 4.3
- Cost: $12.50 per month, per family
- Free Trial: 14 days
2houses includes a calendar, finance tracker, secure messaging system, and information bank. Its information bank includes fillable fields for keeping track of children’s clothing sizes, vaccinations, social security numbers, and more. It also allows for secure document storage. 2houses additionally offers a shareable journal that serves as a “family social network.” It allows parents to share information, news, photos, videos, and quotes. Because of its sharing capabilities, 2houses may be best suited for co-parents who are seeking a platform to help stay intimately involved in their children’s lives.
Great for: two parents with a young child
Talking Parents
- Available on the web, iOS, & Android
- App Store Rating: 4.4
- Cost: $9.99/month for standard, per person
- Free Trial: 30 days
Talking Parents includes a calendar with a downloadable record of all edits and deletions. It also includes an unalterable record of all messages exchanged through the platform, and uniquely, it allows users to record phone calls made through the app. Talking Parents also includes a finance tracker, an information bank, document sharing, and a private journal feature.
Talking Parents only allows two users, so it is best suited for two parents who do not need their child or other family members to be engaged in the app as well. Talking Parents can be especially helpful for parents who would like to communicate with each other more effectively regarding their shared child, and who would like to keep a record of their communications with one another.
Great for: getting the most features for free
AppClose
- Available on iOS & Android
- App Store Rating: 4.7
- Cost: Free
AppClose offers many features for a free app— it includes a calendar, finance tracker, information bank, and secure messaging platform. It also allows users to make phone and video calls through the app. These calls are not recorded, but the app keeps a detailed call log that is downloadable. AppClose is overall a great option for parents who need a basic, free platform for keeping track of communications, schedules, and finances.
Great for: communicating with multiple children or relatives
Cozi
- Available on the web, iOS, & Android
- App Store Rating: 4.8
- Cost: Free
Cozi is not specifically made for co-parenting; it is generally an app for families who would like to keep their schedules and information organized. Cozi mainly offers calendar and notes functions. It does not have messaging, finance tracking, or photo sharing capabilities. Because it is free and allows families to add up to 12 people, Cozi is a good option for parents who communicate well but are looking for a scheduling platform, especially one that allows their children or other relatives to be engaged as well.
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If you’re looking to foster a more communicative, collaborative, or respectful relationship with your co-parent for the sake of your child, using a co-parenting app could be a step in the right direction. Massachusetts courts encourage the use of these apps in certain cases and will incorporate them into court orders when necessary.
Do you want to talk to a lawyer about your custody situation? Schedule a consultation here.
