Navigating co-parenting can be difficult, particularly whilst you are adjusting to your separation. As the landscape of family law continues to adjust with technological changes, the use of co-parenting apps has significantly increased.
Co-parenting apps can be a useful tool for parents in managing their co-parenting routines, and fostering better communication and organisation between the parents. In Family Court proceedings, Judge’s frequently recommend that a parenting app is used. Such apps tend to operate in a way which prevents each parent having access to their personal data, such as their phone number, email address or address. This can be particularly useful if there are concerns that the parent may exploit having access to this information.
Using a co-parenting app can also help make co-parenting less overwhelming by storing key information regarding the child’s health, education, extra-curricular classes and routine in a central, easily-accessible place. This can assist the parents in managing their schedules and keeping track of their child’s commitments, and which parent is to be responsible for facilitating these.
If you are a party to ongoing Children Act proceedings, using a parenting app can also be useful for keeping a time-stamped log of correspondence passing between the parties and the time at which correspondence was received and viewed by each parent. The data recorded on these apps can then be presented to the court to support your case.
Resolution has provided a list of helpful co-parenting apps available to assist separated parents in navigating co-parenting with their former partner.
What should I watch out for when considering whether to use a co-parenting app?
For some parents, the use of a co-parenting app may feel alien to their usual methods of corresponding. Parents may find themselves feeling unconfident in navigating the app if they are not tech-savvy. This may add an added pressure to their existing adjustment to co-parenting.
The extensive tools offered by these apps are of great benefit to many parents, some may find that they become overly-reliant on such apps and find themselves limiting their personal interaction with their former partner which in itself reinforces healthy co-parenting relationships.
Whilst there are free co-parenting apps available, those with the most beneficial and extensive features often come with a cost. However, there are fee exemptions available for certain apps where the app provider’s eligibility criterion is met. Parents who do not meet the fee-exemption criteria may struggle to afford such apps, particularly whilst they are assessing the impact their separation has had on their financial position.
How can we help?
If you are struggling to adapt to a child-focussed, sustainable co-parenting routine, or seek advice as to suitable contact arrangements, our team of expert family lawyers can assist. With extensive experience in assisting parents as they navigate child arrangements, we can provide tailored advice to enable you to navigate your separation, and the co-parenting challenges that may arise.
If you require further information, please contact Kerys Deavin on 01326 316655 or via kcd@nalders.co.uk
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.