Going through a divorce is hard. Going through a divorce with children? Even harder. Suddenly you’re not just navigating your own emotions, but also trying to coordinate schedules, school events, and medical appointments with someone you no longer live with. Co-parenting can feel overwhelming, especially at first.
The good news? There’s an app for that. (Actually, there are several)
In the age of smartphones, technology and shared Google calendars, co-parents don’t have to figure everything out on their own. There are several apps designed to help co-parents with scheduling, communication, and expense-tracking. The best part is that some of them are even free!
- Our Family Wizard
Our Family Wizard (OFW) is one of the most widely recommended apps by courts in Ohio. It provides a secure, court-approved platform where co-parents can message one another in a way that cannot be edited or deleted. Many attorneys and courts prefer OFW messaging system because messages, calendars, and expenses can be exported to use for personal or legal records.
OFW also features an AI “ToneMeter” that can help to ensure messages between parties are respectful and written in a way to reduce conflict. The app also includes a shared calendar, video and audio calls (this feature can be turned off), an expense log that lets parties send electronic payments through the app, and an information bank to document important shared family details.
Cost: Starts at $144 per co-parent per year.
- AppClose
AppClose is a co-parenting app that many courts also recommend. It includes features like shared calendars, secure messaging, audio and video calling, expense requests, and online payment options. AppClose also offers an easy way to export records from the app, which can be useful for legal or personal records. AppClose is a great option for co-parents looking for a no-cost way to stay organized and communicate.
Cost: Free!
- Talking Parents
Talking Parents is another app that helps co-parents keep everything in one place. It offers secure messaging, a shared calendar, and an expense tracker. Talking Parents also keeps a full record of everything for personal or legal use. Messages cannot be edited or deleted, which helps ensure respectful communication.
Cost: Free through their website; paid plans range from $6-$27/month
- 2 Houses
2Houses is another option for co-parents to communicate and stay organized. 2Houses can help parents organize schedules, send secure messages, and balance and manage finances regarding their children. There is also a journal feature where you can share pictures, notes, and videos with your co-parent in one place.
Cost: $14.17/ month
- DComply
Dcomply is a co-parenting app that focuses on managing and tracking expenses related to your children. Only one parent needs to subscribe, and both can use the app to scan and upload receipts, bills, and other costs. Payments can be made directly through the app and are deposited into the other parent’s bank account.
Cost: $5.99/month
- Cozi
Cozi is not specifically designed for co-parenting, but it can still be a helpful tool for managing parenting time, school activities, and appointments. The shared calendar allows everyone in the family to stay on the same page, and the app also includes shared to-do lists, grocery lists, and even a place to store recipes.
Cost: Free!
These apps are just scratching the surface- there are many more that could be helpful depending on different co-parents’ and family’s needs. The hard truth is an app won’t fix everything. Divorce is still hard, and even harder when children are involved. But these tools can help parents navigate their new schedules and new roles as co-parents living separately. To figure out which app is right for you, don’t be afraid to try more than one and figure out which is the right fit for your family.