When I first started practicing, many of my co-parenting clients used “parenting time notebooks”. These notebooks were passed back and forth between the parents at exchanges and contained what had happened during parenting time, concerns, reimbursement requests, upcoming appointments and other child related information.
Now, technology has mainly replaced (thankfully, in my opinion) these notebooks. Here is my list of the best five electronic co-parenting tools:
Amazon Wish List. Cost-Free. Amazon Wish List is a great way to make sure that both parents know what their children need (and the actual size they need!) as well as what they want (holidays and birthdays). Additionally, it helps avoid duplicative purchases because you can see what your co-parent has already purchased.
Google calendar. Cost-Free. Google calendar allows parents to share one calendar regarding the children’s events and can also be used to input regular parenting time. Parents can also put reminders in to discuss upcoming parenting time event (such as discussing the summer vacation schedule). Parents can also use the Google doc feature to share child related documents (such as the child’s art work or school permission forms).
Our Family Wizard. Cost-$99+/year per parent. Our Family Wizard is the classic co-parenting communication tool. It allows parents to manage all aspects of parenting time including communications, calendars, a parent’s journal, and family information storage (for medical documents and court documents). Professional access allows lawyers and other family professionals to be included in communication. If subsequent litigation is necessary, OFW creates a record of all exchanges.
AppClose. Cost-Free. AppClose allows parents to calendar their parenting time (it includes the option of standard schedules such as alternating weeks or custom schedules), create events (such as vacations or holidays) where they can set up reminders and notify family and friends, request to time trade, request (and receive) expense reimbursement with the option to take a picture of the receipt, exchange specific information regarding the child, and communicate with their lawyers. There are fees to transfer money on the app.
SupportPay. Cost-Free. SupportPay is a very specific app for parents who need to manage parenting expenses between homes (the app will also manage spousal maintenance payments). The app can be used to track basic, medical and dental insurance, and daycare support payments. Parents can also use it to obtain reimbursement for medical co-pays and out of pockets, activity fees, and for other agreed upon or ordered items. Receipts can be stored and shared in the system and parents can pay directly through the app. There are fees to transfer money on the app.
To learn more about integrating technology into family law matter, call the Rybicka Law Office, PLLC at 612.573.3690 for a complimentary initial consult.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING MATERIAL. The content of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. No attorney/client relationship is formed by use of this website. Do not submit confidential information via this site unless and until there is a signed retainer contract on file.