Could a Co-Parenting App help you Stay Child-Focused?
Apps can provide a focused method of communication which is solely about the children.
Many parents find that apps help them keep on top of their children’s lives and minimise conflict. If communication between parents is breaking down in other settings, such as face to face or by WhatsApp, a co-parenting app can ensure there is always an open channel of communication to make arrangements for your children.
Many apps offer specific features to help parents manage their children’s busy lives. Most have calendar functions, often with colour coding and the option of accepting or rejecting a request. Others have safeguarding software which can monitor track and record conversations, helping them to remain constructive. These records cannot be tampered with and can be used by legal professionals, family therapists and even Courts.
With such a wide selection of apps available, it may not be easy to know which one to try. We have prepared a shortlist of apps we think are particularly useful in different family situations.
Low Conflict Parenting
Cozi
Cozi is marketed as an organising tool for busy families, helping to keep everyone on the same page by communicating and coordinating plans and schedules, managing to do lists and sharing shopping lists.
It is ideal in co-parenting situations where parents are generally on the same page, but need a little help coordinating schedules and care of the children. In addition to the calendars and lists it has features such as recipes and meal planners, which are for invaluable for parents of fussy eaters or children with specific dietary requirements.
Cozi allows for other users such as children or grandparents to be added, which can be helpful for families with young teens or where there is additional childcare support.
Another plus point is that, at the time of writing, the basic version of Cozi was free. Although we note that this version does include in app advertising. Those who prefer an ad free experience, can pay US$29.99 per year for the premium version which includes additional features like a birthday tracker.
Useful All-Rounders
2Houses
The 2Houses app is designed for separated parents and offers a number of features to help with communication and practical organisation.
It has a calendar facility to help with scheduling contact and a finances tool to log expenses from which you can view simple expenditure reports. Conversations on the app can be printed or archived, but never deleted.
An appealing feature is the journal, which is designed to bridge the physical gap when children are with their other parent allowing you to exchange anecdotes and quotes from children, news, photos, videos and notes, as well as sharing more formal school and medical information. There is also a Wish List feature to help with gift ideas for children.
Parents can give access to and assign specific rights to children, family members and others as appropriate. At the time of writing, 2Houses was charging an annual fee of £99 per family.
WeParent
WeParent is designed to help modern families of all shapes and sizes to coordinate their children’s busy lives and is especially useful for separated parents. It focuses on minimising conflict and stress between parents and other caregivers who may be integral to maintaining the children’s schedules.
The app offers tools to help manage communication and logistics including shared calendars, appointment lists and expenses lists, as well as the ability to share photos and documents.
Family members and other caregivers who are added can perform a limited number of actions including sharing photos, notes, documents and creating events. The app also allows for input and use by legal professionals, with a messaging platform that is fully tracked.
WeParent’s founder has a PhD in psychology who says that the app focuses on tried and tested methods researched by psychologists around the world. At the time of writing, WeParent was offering different payment options including monthly, annual and a lifetime subscription for US$199.
For Difficult Communication
OurFamilyWizard
For fraught situations where communication is difficult or tense, the OurFamilyWizard App offers a variety of resources and tools. A stand-out feature is the Tone Meter, which automatically picks up negative language used in messages and suggests alternatives.
The app is designed to help parents in high conflict reduce the additional friction caused by miscommunication and misunderstandings, providing them with a clear but indirect way of communicating. It offers read receipts and login history to end ambiguity about what was said and when, with records which cannot be manipulated. There is also the ability to check-in at change-over locations and record parental expenses, which some parents will find helpful.
Families working with third-party professionals such a counsellors, mediators or solicitors may benefit from the professional access feature which enables them to access, oversee and even assist with communication via the app.
The OurFamilyWizard website states that the app is recommended by family law professionals and courts in UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and USA. At the time of writing, prices start at £79 for a one-year subscription.
Which App is Right for You?
Whether separated or together, parents are increasingly turning to apps to help organise family life and there is a huge choice available. There are several apps which have been specifically designed to help separated parents, with some being particularly well equipped for high-conflict, tense relationships. We have included information on only a few. It is advisable to look around and read independent reviews from parents in a similar situation before deciding which to use. If you are not sure, it is worth noting that many platforms offer a free 14-day trial.
Legal Advice
Apps can be invaluable in reducing conflict from miscommunication as well as reducing the likelihood of unexpected arguments taking place in front of the children, but it is not always possible to eliminate disagreements about core concerns.
If you are unable to resolve an issue with your child’s other parent or caregiver, our experienced children solicitors may be able to help. Our specialist knowledge and proven results with child arrangements can help you to navigate through this difficult time.
If you would like to speak confidentially to our team of family solicitors you can call 020 7993 2936 to schedule an appointment or make a Contact Request here.
Filed Under: Insight
There is violence in my relationship; what can I do?
Marriage is in trouble, but you don’t want to get divorced, can we just separate?
What is the process for applying for a child arrangements order?
As a fundamental legal instrument in Family Law, the Child Arrangements Order details visitation schedules and custody arrangements, prioritising the child's welfare in situations where parental or guardian agreement is lacking. By understanding this process, parents and guardians can make informed decisions that facilitate the amicable resolution of familial conflicts.
In the following sections, we will delve into the details of the process, including the role of the court, and provide expert guidance to navigate the procedure smoothly.
What if my spouse refuses to accept the divorce?
Eligibility for divorce
You can get divorced in England or Wales if:
- you have been married for over a year;
- your relationship has permanently broken down; and
- your marriage is legally recognised in the UK.
Is surrogacy legal in the UK?
What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is when a woman carries and births a baby for a person or couple who may be unable to conceive or carry a child themselves. The woman carrying the child is known as the surrogate and the couple or individual who will become the child’s parent are often referred to as the Intended Parent(s) (IP(s)).Is Private Financial Dispute Resolution a Good Idea?
You can reach an agreement about your divorce finances between yourselves and this is usually preferential to going to Court. However, your divorce settlement must be approved by the Court to be legally binding.
The Court will look for evidence that the financial settlement is fair and meets both of your needs without putting one person under undue pressure or hardship.
As the concepts of fairness and hardship are subjective, it can be difficult to reach an agreement that you both consider to meet these criteria. In this situation, you can request that the Court makes the decision about how to separate your marital finances for you.
Should we go to Court or Arbitration to settle our Divorce?
If you have different views on what is fair, disputes about finances, property and children can continue for months or even years.
If you are unable to reach a compromise through other means, you might consider Family Arbitration as an alternative to Divorce Court.
This blog outlines the process of Divorce Arbitration, highlighting some of the key advantages and disadvantages to help you decide whether to consider it as an option.
Can I Change My Child Maintenance Payments?
The route to change child maintenance payments depends on whether you are making Court-ordered payments or whether your child maintenance is dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).
In this blog we focus on the options available to a paying parent who needs to reduce child maintenance payments. However, the same principles of process apply to a receiving parent who wishes to increase payments.
It is important to remember that the repercussions of reducing or stopping payments without agreement are serious and can have a long term effect on your financial situation. It is therefore advisable to take advice from a specialist at the earliest opportunity.
How are Gender Recognition Laws Changing in UK?
Following five years of consultation, the Gender Recognition Act Reform Bill was heard by the Scottish Parliament at the beginning of March. The proposals include reducing the waiting time from two years to three months; removing the need for a medical diagnosis; and reducing the minimum age to apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate from 16.
The proposals are welcomed by Scottish Trans, but they believe the reforms "would still see Scotland with a gender recognition law that is far from world-leading". Where does this leave the trans community south of the border?
Break the Bias When Parents Separate
Women generally take the lead in caring for children and this can leave them in a vulnerable situation if their relationship ends.
We highlight this issue for married and unmarried mothers, discussing how Prenuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Contracts can #BreakTheBias when parents separate.
International Women's Day 2022 #IWD2022
How are Divorce Laws Changing? “No Fault Divorce”
Designed to reduce conflict in divorce proceedings, No-Fault Divorce will remove the need to appoint blame for the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership and allow couples to make a joint divorce application.
This is a significant change to family law in England and Wales, which has traditionally required one spouse to divorce the other, usually on the grounds that their actions caused the relationship to fail.
Could Mediation Help you Resolve your Family Law Dispute?
It is a practice intended to help people in dispute reach agreement on their own - so that you do not need to involve the Courts.
The idea is that you discuss the situation directly with the other person and try to reach an agreement between you. However, you are able to take independent legal advice at any stage of mediation and it is possible for a solicitor and / or other professionals to attend mediation with you.
All mediation is overseen by a trained and impartial third person, known as the mediator.
Using a Child Contact Centre
It is common for a parent to leave the family home without a fixed address, meaning they do not have anywhere appropriate to take their child.
There will sometimes be extreme circumstances that led to the separation, or it may simply be that the parents’ emotions are too raw and they cannot face seeing each other.
This can be difficult for children who feel caught in the middle.
Could a Co-Parenting App help you Stay Child-Focused?
Apps can provide a focused method of communication which is solely about the children.
Many parents find that apps help them keep on top of their children’s lives and minimise conflict. If communication between parents is breaking down in other settings, such as face to face or by WhatsApp, a co-parenting app can ensure there is always an open channel of communication to make arrangements for your children.
Could Child Inclusive Mediation Help You Agree Child Arrangements?
It is a time of great change and emotion for everyone and it can be difficult to set that aside and reach an agreement between you.
Court proceedings are stressful for all concerned and there is significant delay in the system, but there are alternatives.
We highlight Child Inclusive Mediation as an alternative means of resolving children matters, which can help you lay the foundations for a strong co-parenting relationship moving forward.
Practical Ideas to Continue Contact with your Child
What can parents do to make it easier for children and show that they are still valued by both?
First remember there are many types of contact and if your child misses you, there is rarely a good reason that contact should be limited to the days they see you.
In the age of telephones and video calls, children should be able to speak to both of their parents every day if they want to. You can also write, email and communicate on social media if it is appropriate for your child.
Could a Parenting Plan Help Your Child?
It is natural for this conversation to focus on where they will live and when they will have contact with each parent. It is not easy to know what else to discuss and how to approach it.
Preparing a Parenting Plan will help you consider the entirety of arrangements for your child and how you will work together to parent them moving forward.
By considering situations before they occur, you can provide more certainty and a more positive environment for your child.
Five Steps to Keep Your Child’s Needs at the Forefront of Separation
How parents behave during a divorce or separation will have an impact on the happiness, health and wellbeing of their children.
To minimise the negative effects, it is important to bear this in mind from the outset and set a tone for the separation that keeps your child’s needs at the forefront.
We have prepared five practical steps that can be taken to ensure your child’s needs come first and that a strong foundation is laid for a positive co-parenting relationship.
How do I know if our Prenuptial Agreement is Fair?
A Prenuptial Agreement allows couples to have a degree of self-regulation over their affairs and set out from the outset what will happen if they separate.
It is not about trying to make sure your new spouse does not get anything, but allows couples the opportunity to decide what would be fair for themselves. Most people find it easier to do this when they are experiencing the best of times.
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