Do Co-parenting Apps Really Help Unmarried Parents?

 Posted on December 26, 2024 in Family Law

Technology has become a crucial part of everyday life, with new apps developing constantly to optimize so many aspects of our routine. One of the tools that has been gaining popularity among divorced or separated parents is co-parenting apps, which are designed to help parents manage shared responsibilities like custody schedules, school events, and parental communication. 

As more parents experience first-hand what these apps can do, some are wondering whether they truly help or simply create more problems than they solve. To learn more about navigating the challenges of co-parenting when you are not married, speak with an experienced Chicago, IL family law attorney.

What Do Co-Parenting Apps Do?

Co-parenting apps are digital tools that help parents manage their shared parenting duties and are aimed at reducing conflict. Some of the most popular apps offer features that include:

• Shared calendars to track custody schedules.

• Messaging systems to communicate without needing direct contact.

• Expense trackers for child-related costs.

• Document storage for things like medical records or school forms.

Many parents think of these apps as tools that can reduce disputes and enable productive and helpful communication. For parents who have a contentious relationship or have gone through a particularly high-conflict divorce, it can be a major relief to have this type of neutral platform for important communication.

Many of these apps also create a record of all communication between parents. This can be useful in resolving arguments over what was said or agreed upon. In family law cases, a clear record can help judges make decisions based on evidence. For example, when a parent fails to honor a custody agreement, a co-parenting app’s calendar feature can show exactly what was scheduled to happen and who was at fault for not following the plan.

Legal Implications of Co-Parenting Apps

Co-parenting apps can be helpful, but they also have some legal implications. First, these apps are not a substitute for legal agreements. The parents’ court-approved parenting plan remains the primary document outlining custody arrangements. Parents who use an app to manage their schedule but do not follow the court-approved plan can find themselves in legal trouble.

Another important consideration is the security of these apps. Parents need to ensure that the app they choose protects their personal information and that of their children. Many apps offer a way to store sensitive information, including medical records and financial data. If the app’s security is weak, these could all be exposed. 

While these apps can be extremely helpful for unmarried parents to navigate their efforts to raise their children, they do not yet offer a complete situation for all scenarios.

Contact a Cook County, IL Family Law Attorney

Co-parenting apps can be a great tool for Illinois parents looking to simplify their shared responsibilities and improve communication. They can reduce conflict and offer a reliable record. However, they are not a replacement for court-approved parenting plans and good communication. If you have questions about these tools and other methods for navigating co-parenting, speak with a qualified Skokie, IL divorce lawyer at The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C. who is dedicated to helping families achieve their best outcomes. Call us at 312-984-1514 to learn more.