Are co parenting apps in Australia any good for child custody arrangements? With more and more separated and divorced families in Australia, there is a growing need for good co parenting solutions. Managing communication, schedules and expenses after a separation is sometimes a recipe for disaster and disputes.
But, fear not! Times have changed, and technology has always been around to help us with the most inconvenient or difficult problems. Yes, this includes family law matters such as separation and divorce. Let’s introduce co parenting apps in Australia.
What Are Co Parenting Apps?
Co parenting apps are emerging as a game-changer for separated parents. These apps are a digital bridge to better communication, clearer organisation and offer a more positive environment for their kids. So, gone are the days of parenting plans made on paper or notebooks, and hello to parenting plans at the palm of your hand.
These apps help with parenting arrangements, and many co parenting apps come in different forms and features. They are widely used for separated families, especially in the digital age, where smartphones and devices are accessible for most parents. Utilising co-parenting apps can create a consistent routine for children during family transitions.
Top Co Parenting Apps in Australia
Disclaimer: The list below does not rank the apps from best to worst. We are just providing general information about co parenting apps in Australia that separated families can use. Every child custody situation is different. So, the separated couple should talk to each other about what co parenting app to use or if they can co parent without the use of such apps.
TimeTree
This app is about creating a shared calendar for divorced parents, simplifying the coordination of custody schedules and plans. TimeTree is an example app with features like:
- Shared calendars for easy schedule coordination
- Integrated messaging and photo sharing for communication
- Multi-calendar support for organising different aspects of life
App link: TimeTree | An app for easy calendar sharing and communication (timetreeapp.com)
Cozi
Cozi is one of the co parenting apps in Australia that has shared calendars and communication. It also has extra features for family organisation, such as:
- Shared calendar with colour-coding for scheduling.
- To-do lists for managing tasks and chores.
- Shopping lists for creating and sharing grocery lists.
- Recipe box and meal planner for meal planning.
Not focused on finances like TimeTree, Cozi aims to organise family life through various features so it’s a good co parenting tool.
App link: Cozi Family Organiser | Must-Have App For Families
Baby Connect
Baby Connect is different from the other co parenting apps in Australia above. It’s not for communication or finances, but for tracking baby-related activities. Here’s a summary:
- Purpose: Tracks sleep, feeding, diaper changes, development and medical info.
- Features: Log data, create reports, share with other caregivers.
- Benefits: Comprehensive monitoring and communication between caregivers about the baby’s needs.
App link: Baby Connect – Newborn Tracking App
Fam Cal
This app is about creating a central hub for family organisation. It has shared calendar, to-do lists, shopping lists, notes and even recipe management. It also promotes family interaction and keeps everyone on the same page. Has a free version with paid subscription for extra features.
App link: Family Shared Calendar: FamCal – Apps on Google Play
Family Wall
Family Wall is one of the co parenting apps in Australia that has a complete solution for co parenting. It has:
- Shared calendar
- To-do lists
- Budgeting tools
- Meal planning
- Photo/video sharing
- Location tracking; and
- Family messenger
This makes communication, organisation and even connection between family members streamlined. Has a free trial with paid subscription option.
App link: FamilyWall | Happy Family Organization
Talking Parents
This app is for co parents. It has secure messaging with uneditable transcripts, accountable calling and payments, shared calendar and space for storing important info. It also keeps a record of all communication and transactions which can be useful for legal purposes. Talking Parents has tiered pricing with different features.
App link: Best Co-Parenting Communication Tools for Child Custody | TalkingParents
Storypark
Storypark is not just a traditional app like the other co parenting apps in Australia above. This app is for communication and documentation between families and educators in childcare settings. Moreover, this can be useful for co parents who need to share info about their child’s daily routines and development. It has a free plan with paid options for educators and childcare centres.
App link: Storypark for Families – Apps on Google Play
Our Family Wizard
This is a co parenting app to improve communication between parents and extended family. Has:
- Shared calendar with swap/trade function for flexible scheduling.
- Document storage for medical history, immunisation records and other important info.
- Expense log to track shared costs.
- Photo storage for sharing memories.
- Communication screening
Our Family Wizard is a one stop shop for co parenting communication and organisation with a yearly subscription fee.
App link: OurFamilyWizard – Best Co-Parenting App for Child Custody
Check out our Factsheet for Child Custody: Factsheet: Child Custody | JB Solicitors
Can Co Parenting Apps in Australia Outshine Open Communication?
Co parenting apps can be a useful tool for communication, scheduling and organisation. But don’t forget that they shouldn’t be the only solution for child custody decisions. Open and honest communication between parents and a willingness to compromise is still the best, if not, a good option.
Complex issues like changes in schedules or disagreements about expenses may still need face-to-face discussions or mediation. Even the best co parenting apps are just a way to streamline communication and keep everything organised.
Not even the best or leading co parenting app can match the real foundation of a successful co parenting journey; A respectful and collaborative relationship between the parents.
Related articles:
- Visitation Rights Australia | JB Solicitors
- Custody Calendar: Perfecting Your Parenting Plans | JB Solicitors
- Best Interest Of Child: What You Need To Know | JB Solicitors
Co Parenting Apps Paired With Legal Advice
Complex issues or disputes arising from app usage, like conflicting entries on a shared calendar or disputes over expense tracking, may still need professional intervention. Moreover, some parents may refuse to use co parenting apps which may cause disputes with their ex-spouses who want to use them.
Whatever angle you look into divorce, legal disputes may arise with or without the use of co parenting apps. If you find yourselves facing legal issues related to co parenting app usage or divorce and separation, JB Solicitors can help.
Our family lawyers can guide you, advocate for you and ensure the best interests of your child are our top priority. We also offer mediation services if separated partners still want alternative arrangements for child custody matters. If mediation fails, we can help represent you in multiple family courts in Australia.
Reach out to our family law professionals today. We can help with any difficult family law matter that you may be facing.
