Co-parenting communication apps — using OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents and similar tools
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01
Why courts and Cafcass recommend them
High-conflict separations breed email chains, screenshot disputes and "he said, she said" arguments about who sent what. Dedicated co-parenting platforms answer this by keeping every message timestamped, uneditable and exportable, so the record speaks for itself. Cafcass officers and family courts commonly suggest them (or similar arrangements) precisely because they reduce both conflict and litigation about communication itself. Some courts and Cafcass professionals also have access schemes that let them view the account record directly, with the parents' consent.
The main options
- OurFamilyWizard — messaging, shared calendar, expense logs and a professional access feature allowing practitioners to view records. Its "ToneMeter" flags emotionally charged language before you send.
- Talking Parents — unalterable records, account access for professionals, free messaging tier with paid upgrades.
- AppClose — free app with messaging, calendars, request/receipt functions and exportable records.
- Shared calendars and expense trackers built into each app reduce the common flashpoints: swaps, holidays, reimbursements.
What a court order or parenting plan typically says
Orders increasingly include a clause such as: "All communication regarding [child] shall take place via [named app]; messages to be limited to matters concerning the child." Practical drafting points:
- Name the specific app and who pays for it if there is a subscription.
- Specify response expectations (e.g. within 48 hours for non-urgent matters) — but note apps are not for emergencies.
- Keep the child out of the channel: no messages sent via or in front of the child, no read-receipt arguments in their hearing.
- Agree that one parent cannot unilaterally switch channels once the order is in place.
What the record can and cannot prove
The app proves what was sent and when — nothing more. It will not prove a message was read, and it cannot save a message that is defamatory or threatening from being used against its author. Use the neutral tone you would want a judge to read, because that is exactly who may read it.
Getting started
1. Both parents create accounts and exchange usernames; invite the other parent's account rather than emailing court-style letters. 2. Set notifications so you respond to messages in good time rather than in anger. 3. Export records (all main apps produce PDF archives) rather than screenshotting when you need to show them to Cafcass, a solicitor or the court. 4. If the other parent refuses to use an app, propose it in writing — a reasonable proposal that was refused is itself useful material if the matter reaches court.
Official links
- https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/ (parenting plans and communication guidance)
- https://www.gov.uk/child-arrangements-order
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/ (family law information)
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.