Sharing parenting responsibilities when you live in separate households can get a little tricky when you have multiple jobs, extracurricular activities, doctor appointments, sporting events, and so much more to manage. Inevitably, scheduling or communication issues will occur.
Technology has made co-parenting a bit easier by introducing apps focused on streamlining calendars and communication. These are the top co-parenting apps available for download after a divorce.
1. Fayr
Your co-parent really is like your co-worker when it comes to raising your kids, and Fayr takes that approach in their app. You can message each other, create shared calendars, keep track of expenses, and even generate reports that can be used to prepare legal documents.
One standout feature is that it automatically creates a monthly parenting report that can help you be a better co-parent. The report tracks things like your response time to messages and the amount of expenses you paid for the month.
The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. As an added bonus, the app’s Head Advisor is none other than actress Gwenyth Paltrow, famously known for her “conscious uncoupling” from ex Chris Martin.
Pros:
• Secure messaging
• Tracks expenses
• Endorsed by Gwenyth Paltrow
2. DComply
If expenses are the biggest hurdle in your co-parenting relationship, DComply makes it so much easier. You can do everything from sending bills to your co-parent to paying child support. The unique “DComply Pay” system allows you to do so directly within the app.
There’s no longer a need to save every receipt or have multiple spreadsheets going because this app does all of that for you. There’s even a dispute feature that you and your co-parent can use to resolve financial disagreements.
While not all of the app’s features are free, the cost of both the basic and premium plans are very reasonable. The customer support staff at DComply is excellent and can assist you with any questions you have, including how to cancel your plan early if you are no longer in need of the app’s services.
Pros:
• Easy payments with “DComply Pay”
• Resolve financial disputes
• Available for iPhone and Android
3. WeParent
Co-parenting can be stressful, which is why a psychologist created the WeParent app to alleviate some of that stress. It allows you to manage everything from custody schedules to shared documents and photos, all in one convenient place. The secure messaging feature keeps record of any exchanges between you and your co-parent, in case it’s needed at a later date.
It’s easy to set up, and your experience can be customized in seconds by answering a few simple questions. The app isn’t just for divorcees. It can also be tailored to married couples with busy schedules, or those who are just starting the separation process.
If you prefer to “try before you buy”, you’ll love this app because it allows you to use it free-of-charge for 14 days. After the 14 days, you can choose to pay monthly, yearly, or pick a lifetime membership for under $200.
Pros:
• Manage custody schedules
• Easy to set up
• Free 14 day trial
4. OurFamilyWizard
Created by co-parents for co-parents, OurFamilyWizard is an all-in-one app that’s designed to make your co-parenting experience easier. This unique app allows you to message multiple people- not just your co-parent, track expenses, create shared calendars, securely store documents, and anything else you and your former partner need to effectively communicate.
The app is court-approved in all 50 states, with many trusted professionals recommending OurFamilyWizard to those struggling with managing co-parenting. It encourages positive communication with everyone involved in your child’s life, even allowing you to create accounts for grandparents, mediators, and more at no extra cost.
If disagreements are common between you and your co-parent, this app helps dispel those arguments with its built-in ToneMeter in the messaging portion of the app. The meter detects things like a negative tone by suggesting alternate words you can use to avoid a disagreement. While this feature does cost extra and there is a subscription fee associated with the app, you can download it for free to check out on both iPhone and Android devices.
Pros:
• Recommended by legal professionals
• Ability to create accounts for other caregivers
• Encourages positive co-parent communication
5. 2Houses
The 2Houses app was built to help support and educate co-parents so they can put the well-being of their children first and create a positive environment for the entire family. It provides a seamless transition between houses so that it still feels like one functioning family unit. A smoother transition leads to happier kids (and happier co-parents).
You’ll find everything you need to co-parent effectively in this app. There’s a convenient co-parent calendar where you can easily add and edit appointments or switch custody days when needed. The finance section tracks expenses and payments, including child support. A custody journal gives you and your co-parent a space to document things that occurred during your time with the children, as well as a place to share pictures, videos, quotes, and other important information.
One of the most desirable features of this app is that the cost is per family, not per parent, so there is a cost savings associated with that. You can try it free for 14 days, then there is a monthly fee associated with the app’s usage. It’s easy to cancel the subscription at any time, and for less than $.50 a day, it’s a worthwhile investment for your co-parenting relationship.
Pros:
• Easy to edit the calendar
• Finance section tracks payments and expenses
• Custody journal aids in smooth transitions
Whichever app you choose, it’s a good idea to have at least one installed on your phone to help you and your co-parent adjust to this new, post-divorce lifestyle. A positive co-parenting relationship leads to happier kids, and ultimately, that’s what we all want.