A good co-parenting app can reduce conflict, keep everyone organised, and create a record of communication. But with several options on the market, how do you choose? This guide compares the most popular co-parenting apps to help you find the right fit.
What to Look for in a Co-Parenting App
Before comparing specific apps, consider what features matter most for your situation:
Essential Features
- Shared calendar: Both parents can view and edit schedules
- Messaging: Documented communication in one place
- Expense tracking: Submit, approve, and track shared costs
- Information sharing: Medical records, school info, contacts
Nice-to-Have Features
- Export capability: Download records if needed for court
- Tone monitoring: Flags potentially inflammatory messages
- Multiple children: Manage different schedules for each child
- Third-party access: Allow grandparents, nannies, or lawyers to view
Practical Considerations
- Pricing: Some apps charge per parent, others per family
- Court acceptance: Some courts specifically recommend certain apps
- Ease of use: A complicated app won’t get used
- Both parents must agree: The app only works if both parents use it
Popular Co-Parenting Apps Compared
Our Family Wizard
Overview: One of the oldest and most established co-parenting apps, founded in 2001. Often recommended or mandated by family courts in the United States.
Key Features:
- Shared calendar with schedule templates
- Messaging with ToneMeter feature
- Expense log with receipt upload
- Journal for documenting parenting time
- Info Bank for storing important documents
- Professional access for lawyers and mediators
Pricing: Approximately $100-150 per year per parent
Strengths:
- Widely recognised by US family courts
- Comprehensive feature set
- Professional access options
- Long track record
Considerations:
- Higher price point than alternatives
- Interface can feel dated
- Both parents must pay separately
- Some users report a steep learning curve
Best for: High-conflict situations where court documentation is important, or when a court specifically recommends it.
TalkingParents
Overview: A co-parenting communication platform focused on creating court-admissible records.
Key Features:
- Unalterable messaging records
- Shared calendar
- Secure file sharing
- Call recording (premium feature)
- Accountable Payments for expense tracking
Pricing: Free basic tier; Premium approximately $5-15/month per parent
Strengths:
- Free tier available
- Strong focus on documentation
- Call recording feature (where legal)
- Clean interface
Considerations:
- Fewer scheduling features than some alternatives
- Premium features require paid subscription
- Each parent pays separately
Best for: Parents who primarily need documented communication and are comfortable with fewer scheduling features.
Cozi
Overview: A general family organiser app, not specifically designed for co-parenting but used by many separated families.
Key Features:
- Shared family calendar
- Shopping and to-do lists
- Recipe collection
- Journal/diary
- Family messaging
Pricing: Free basic version; Cozi Gold approximately $30/year
Strengths:
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Good for cooperative co-parenting relationships
- Works as a general family app
Considerations:
- Not designed for co-parenting specifically
- No expense tracking or splitting features
- Limited documentation for court purposes
- No tone monitoring
Best for: Amicable co-parenting situations where extensive documentation isn’t needed.
AppClose
Overview: A co-parenting app with a focus on simplicity and essential features.
Key Features:
- Shared calendar
- Messaging
- Expense tracking
- Info sharing
- Location sharing (optional)
Pricing: Approximately $10/month per parent or annual plans
Strengths:
- Clean, modern interface
- Reasonable pricing
- Good balance of features
Considerations:
- Smaller user base than established alternatives
- Less name recognition with courts
Best for: Parents wanting a modern interface at a moderate price point.
2Houses
Overview: European-origin app available globally with a focus on practical co-parenting tools.
Key Features:
- Shared calendar
- Messaging
- Expense management with different split options
- School and activity tracking
- Journal for memories
Pricing: Approximately $13/month per family or annual plans
Strengths:
- Per-family pricing (not per-parent)
- Good expense tracking
- Available internationally
Considerations:
- Less common in US courts
- Interface takes some getting used to
Best for: International families or those who prefer per-family pricing.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Our Family Wizard | TalkingParents | Cozi | AppClose | 2Houses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Calendar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | Premium | No | Yes | Yes |
| Document Storage | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Court Recognition | High (US) | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Tone Monitoring | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Price (approx/year) | $100-150/parent | Free-$180/parent | Free-$30 | ~$120/parent | ~$156/family |
| Free Tier | No | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Pricing as of early 2025. Check current pricing before subscribing.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Is court documentation a priority?
If you’re in a high-conflict situation or expect to need records for court:
- Our Family Wizard and TalkingParents are designed with court documentation in mind
- Look for features like unalterable records and export capabilities
- Check if your local court has preferences
What’s your budget?
- Free: Cozi or TalkingParents free tier
- Moderate: AppClose, 2Houses, or TalkingParents Premium
- Higher: Our Family Wizard
Remember that both parents typically need to use the same app, so cost may be a factor in getting buy-in from your co-parent.
How tech-savvy are both parents?
The best app is one both parents will actually use. If one parent struggles with technology:
- Choose an app with a simple interface
- Look for good customer support and tutorials
- Consider apps with web access (not just mobile)
Do you need it for multiple children?
If you have children with different schedules or needs, check whether the app handles multiple children well.
Making the Transition
If you’re moving from no system (or a failing system) to a co-parenting app:
- Choose together if possible: The app only works if both parents commit
- Start with essential features: Don’t try to use everything at once
- Give it time: Any new system takes adjustment
- Set expectations: Agree on response times and what the app will be used for
A Note on Court Mandates
Some family courts require or strongly recommend specific apps, particularly Our Family Wizard in parts of the United States. If you’re involved in custody proceedings, check with your lawyer about any requirements or recommendations.
However, many co-parenting situations don’t involve court mandates. In these cases, you have more flexibility to choose based on features, price, and usability.
The Bottom Line
There’s no single “best” co-parenting app—only the best app for your specific situation. Consider:
- Your level of conflict
- Your budget
- What features you’ll actually use
- What your co-parent is willing to use
- Any court requirements
The right app is the one both parents will use consistently. A simple app used well is better than a feature-rich app that sits unused.
This comparison is based on publicly available information as of early 2025. Features and pricing may change. We recommend verifying current details before making a decision.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Every family situation is unique. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.
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