A co-parenting app can be a solution if you and your co-parent have trouble communicating or you are embroiled in a complicated custody battle. Although parents can choose the best way to communicate, it is usually best to keep communications in writing.
Having written documentation of conversations with your co-parent means there is evidence available if a dispute or misunderstanding occurs. For these and other reasons, co-parenting apps have become a popular way to communicate in recent years.
What is a co-parenting app?
A co-parenting app is a tool you download to your phone that you use for communicating with your co-parent. In addition to messaging capabilities, a co-parenting app often has a calendar or other tools designed to make co-parenting easier.
You may hear about the advantages of a co-parenting app but, as with anything, there are disadvantages as well that you should consider.
Advantages
A co-parenting app generally makes communicating with your co-parent easier and keeps everyone on the same page. Many custody issues are caused by lack of communication and a co-parenting app can solve many custody problems.
A co-parenting app typically prevents you from modifying messages. When there is a record of all communication that cannot be changed, parents tend to be on their best behavior.
Disadvantages
This can be a disadvantage. Perhaps you send a message to your co-parent out of anger or frustration. You may later regret it and apologize, but the first message is still there and cannot be deleted or modified, giving your co-parent ammunition to use against you.
Additionally, most co-parenting apps come with a fee. Although the fee is not usually high, not all parents can afford an additional expense.
Can I be forced to use a co-parenting app?
Using a co-parenting app is not a legal requirement but it can be. A custody court can order that all communications be done through a co-parenting app. You are then required to use the app or risk being found in contempt of court.
Communication solely through co-parenting app is usually only ordered in custody situations involving disputes, misunderstandings or where one parent is harassing or threatening the other. However, given the benefits involved, if one parent requests that a co-parenting app be used for communication, a court is likely to grant the request.