Smart Phone Apps Assisting in Co-Parenting Relationships
Mobile Applications (or ‘Apps’) are in every part of our daily lives. We have Apps that tell us when to get up, when to drink water and when and how to exercise. So, it is only logical that there are now Apps that assist parents in co-parenting arrangements.
Apps for use between parents, such as ‘Our Family Wizard’, ‘Fayer’ (Pronounced ‘Fair’), ‘2Houses’, and ‘Divitto’, are becoming more prevalent in parenting orders. In some instances, an App is preferred over the traditional communication book.
What are the benefits of using an App instead of the traditional communication book?
Information Available at all Times
An App is easily installed on each parent’s phone and enables both parents to access information about the child or children regardless of whether the child or children are with that parent. For example, the application called ‘2Houses’ has a section where each child’s height, shoe size, and clothing size are recorded and accessible to both parents. Therefore, a parent can buy an outfit, school uniform or shoes without the child physically being there.
Verification of Circumstances
In high-conflict co-parenting arrangements, mistakes about times and dates can be made. Apps such as Fayer enable each parent to record their geographical location at a specified time and record that information in PDF format. This information can be helpful when disputes arise about one parent arriving late for collection or delivering children to or from the other parent’s home.
Assists in Reducing Conflict
In high-conflict co-parenting situations, written communication between the parents is often difficult. What one parent sees as inflammatory, the other party does not. Apps such as ‘Divitto’ assist parents by allowing them to write a text. If the content of the text alerts the application to language that needs to be rephrased to avoid potential conflict, the App will suggest alternate phrasing.
Parents can contribute to the App at any time, allowing them to enjoy their time with their child rather than being distracted and having to fill in a communication book hurriedly.
The benefits of co-parenting Apps make this mode increasingly popular with Judges, lawyers and parents alike. Using an application to communicate with the other parent is worth considering when dealing with parenting matters.
For further information on using Apps or to discuss a family law matter, please contact us at 5303 0281 or familylaw@ballaratlawyers.com.au.
The information on this website is general only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. You should consult a lawyer for individual advice about your particular circumstances.
Liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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