Parenting apps have become a mainstay of shared custody arrangements, especially in high-conflict cases. Sometimes, one parent suggests the use of an app for communication due to the challenges between the parents. Other times, the courts may actually require the use of an app due to conflict between the parents.
Parenting apps allow for immediate written communication and typically provide access to a shared schedule. While people may initially resent the need to pay for and use a special app instead of communicating directly with one another, there are significant potential benefits associated with the use of parenting apps, including the three below.
1. Official documentation
Technically, any communication in writing could help document interactions between parents. However, interactions in parenting apps are verifiable and therefore more readily useful during custody disputes.
2. Calmer communication
When both parents know that everything they say is part of the official record and potentially useful as evidence in court, they are less likely to become abusive and aggressive toward one another. They may use more diplomatic language, which can help keep the co-parenting relationship peaceful.
3. Centralized information
If parents talk on the phone, email and text each other, there may be numerous different locations where they share information about changed custody exchange times or other information regarding their children. A parenting app keeps everything in one central location and makes it easy for people to review.
Requesting the use of a parenting app for communications and scheduling when sharing custody can help people adjust to a difficult situation. Parenting apps are among the many tools that can help make shared child custody safer and less stressful for a family.