Co-parenting children in two separate households can prove to be extremely difficult. Miscommunication and confusion over expenses, reimbursements, and scheduled events for the children can cause tension and may even lead to further litigation.
An emerging trend among parents is the use of online co-parenting tools. These online programs facilitate effective communication and help parents manage shared expenses. While there are many programs available, here are a few that stand out:
(1) Our Family Wizard® – http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/ofw/
Our Family Wizard (OFW) has many useful tools that can smooth the often rocky territory of co-parenting. One of the most effective tools OFW provides is the expense log. Parents can submit payment for the children’s expenses online. Expenses are documented from when they are incurred to when they are reimbursed. Parties can send and receive text alerts when new expenses are entered and repaid.
One of the most unique features of the OFW website is the message board which functions similar to e-mail. However, unlike e-mail, parties cannot edit reply chain histories; all messages are stored in a permanent format on the website. This limits the he-said/she-said that often arises. The message board also captures the date and time each message was opened by the recipient. Parties can save the messages into PDF files that can be easily shared, if necessary, with their attorneys.
Memberships begin at $99/per parent per year. OFW also provides iPhone and Android compatible apps for mobile use.
(2) 2Houses - https://www.2houses.com/en
2Houses is a free online tool that allows parents to share information regarding their children’s expenses, scheduled activities, medical information, and important contacts. 2Houses is very user friendly and its shared calendar feature can be synched with Google Calendar, iCal, and Outlook.
The expense tool also allows parents to suggest purchases for the children and attach files for reimbursement requests including receipts, canceled checks, credit card statements, and invoices. Unlike Our Family Wizard, it is not possible to submit payments to one another through the website. However, 2Houses is a free website with a simple, straightforward format.
2Houses has an iPhone app and an Android compatible app is in development.
(3) Online Parenting Time Information Manager and Activity Log (“OPTIMAL”) – www.parentingtime.net
OPTIMAL can track child support paid and received and maintains a running total. Parties can also use an online expense tracker to track payments towards expenses. OPTIMAL does not allow, however, for expense reimbursement through the website.
OPTIMAL creates a centralized location for all communication about the children. Messages are time stamped when they are delivered, received, and read. The Parenting Plan Calendar allows parents to use a shared calendar to view their custody schedule. Parents can add specific events and track the scheduled time versus actual time spent with each parent.
Currently, OPTIMAL does not offer any mobile apps.
All of these websites are helpful to streamline communication between parents about their children. This can help minimize conflict and maintain civility. Additionally, these tools also preserve communication between parents, creating a record that may be used to assist your attorney in the event of future litigation.
Posted by Attorney Sarah J. Barbarash. Barbarash represents individuals in domestic matters involving divorce, child custody, paternity, child support, guardianships, and adult abuse, as well as custody and support modifications.