Divorce and child-custody matters are challenging for any family, but when there is high conflict between parents, managing communication about the children can become particularly stressful.
Ensuring effective communication is essential for the well-being of the children involved. In such situations, specialized tools can significantly ease the burden and foster a more structured, less contentious interaction between parents. Two notable apps designed for this purpose are OurFamilyWizard and AppClose.
OurFamilyWizard
OurFamilyWizard is a comprehensive tool tailored specifically for co-parenting. It offers various features to help manage communication and scheduling in high-conflict divorce situations.
Key Features and Benefits:
1. Shared Calendars: Parents can manage custody schedules, appointments, and activities in one place, reducing misunderstandings and miscommunications.
2. Message Board: A secure messaging system that records all communications, ensuring accountability and transparency.
3. Expense Tracking: Parents can track and share expenses related to their children, making financial management more straightforward.
4. Info Bank: A centralized location to store and share important information such as medical records, school information, and emergency contacts.
5. Professional Access: Allows third parties, such as attorneys or therapists, to view and monitor communications, which can be invaluable in high-conflict cases.
Advantages Beyond High Conflict:
Even in less contentious divorces, OurFamilyWizard provides a structured environment that simplifies co-parenting. The clear, documented communication can prevent disputes from arising and helps parents focus on their children's needs. It promotes consistency and reliability, which benefits both parents and children. The app also includes a ToneMeter to help make sure communications don’t unintentionally increase conflict.
AppClose
AppClose is another excellent option for co-parents, offering a variety of features that facilitate effective communication and organization. The application itself is free, offering a good option even when parents are on a budget.
Key Features and Benefits:
1. Calendar Management: Similar to OurFamilyWizard, AppClose provides a shared calendar to keep track of custody schedules and important dates.
2. Expense Management: Parents can manage and track expenses, request reimbursements, and maintain financial records.
3. Secure Messaging: The app offers a secure platform for communication, with all messages being logged and organized.
4. File Sharing: Easy sharing of documents and photos, ensuring both parents have access to important information.
5. Third-Party Involvement: AppClose allows for the inclusion of third parties, such as mediators or legal advisors, to assist in managing co-parenting interactions.
Advantages Beyond High Conflict:
For parents in amicable divorces, AppClose can still provide substantial benefits. The organization and documentation features help maintain a clear and consistent approach to co-parenting, minimizing the chances of misunderstandings. The ease of use and accessibility make it an excellent tool for any co-parenting situation, promoting a healthy, collaborative environment.
Conclusion
With more than 25 years of working with parents in family law cases, our attorneys at Coker, Robb & Cannon are convinced that effective communication is the cornerstone of successful co-parenting, particularly in high-conflict divorce cases.
Tools like OurFamilyWizard and AppClose are invaluable in creating a structured, transparent, and organized communication channel between parents. These apps not only ease the challenges of high-conflict situations but also offer significant benefits in more amicable divorces by promoting consistency and reducing potential disputes. By utilizing these resources, parents can focus more on their children's well-being and less on managing conflicts, fostering a healthier family dynamic.