Separation is hard. With kids, it is harder still.
Whether it’s emotional or financial, we get it.
For this reason, we’ve put together a list of free co-parenting apps to help you and your ex raise your kids with less conflict and more common ground.
Further reading: How to let go of hate and be a better co-parent.
Co-parenting apps with a free version
Talking Parents
Call each other on audio or video with transcripts, exchange messages that cannot be edited or deleted, keep track of parenting expenses and request payments - without revealing your phone number. This thoughtful app (which is especially perfect for co-parents who have often encounter communication problems) also comes with a shared calendar feature and private personal journals for each parent.
Available via: Apple and Android
Which bit is free: Messaging function, Shared Calendar, receiving payments and recorded phone calls
Best features: Accountability and personal privacy enforced in its messaging, call, calendar and journal features
Cozi
Create shared calendars and to-do lists, share photos and recipes with family, and communicate with your co-parent via the Cozi app. It’s easy to use and completely free (with ads). While not strictly a co-parenting app, it has everything you need to organise family schedules between two homes.
Available via: Apple, Android
Which bit is free: Free to use all features (with ads)
Best features: Completely free, one account for all family members
Famcal
Famcal is mainly a calendar and scheduling app that lets separated families share events, tasks, and notes all from one convenient place. We like the colour-coded organiser that identifies each family member. The free version is very basic and you need to upgrade to premium to access features like shared contacts and event tracking.
Available via: Apple, Android
Which bit is free: Shared family calendar, memos, tasks and notifications
Best features: Easy to use, ability to create tasks and lists
MyMob
MyMob is a totally free co-parenting app created by Stepfamilies Australia and Drummond Street Services. It comes with a shared calendar, contacts storage, wish lists, messaging with a profanity filter, and a virtual fridge to post photos and notes. Many separated families use it because of court mandates.
Available via: Apple, Android
Which bit is free: All features are free to use
Best features: Feature-packed scheduling and collaboration app
Fayr
With a simple and fresh UX design and easy-to-use interface, Fayr aims to keep co-parenting drama-free and transparent with its features. Parents can export and import time and expense reports, files, and journal entries. You can also check in your location through its court-verifiable feature.
Available via: Apple, Android
Which bit is free: All features are free to try for 14 days
Best features: Shared Calendar, court verifiable Reports, Expenses
Appclose
Appclose is another completely free co-parenting app that has tools normally found only on paid apps. It lets you organise schedules and communicate with family members via the messaging feature. You can also create a shared parenting plan and track and settle payments.
Available via: Apple, Android
Which bit is free: All features are free to use
Best features: Built-in payment tracking and settlement
TimeTree
TimeTree is one of the simplest co-parenting apps on our list. It’s easy to organise family, school and work schedules and communicate with family members. You can chat right from the event calendar, share notes and lists, and create multiple schedules.
Available via: Apple, Android, Web
Which bit is free: Calendar, messaging and collaborating
Best features: User-friendly app for collaborating
CO-PARENTING APPS WITH A FREE TRIAL
Our Family Wizard
Our Family Wizard is one of the most robust co-parenting apps available. It lets you manage child custody schedules, track parenting time, and manage spending. All communication is recorded for divorce proceedings. If you need professional help, useful resources like divorce lawyers and counselling are at your fingertips.
Find out more here: My Family Wizard: Review from a user.
Available via: Apple, Android, Web
Which bit is free: All features free to try for 30 days
Best features: Extensive co-parenting app with access to legal and mental health professionals
WeParent
WeParent is another extensive co-parenting app that has everything you need to organise daily life as a separated family. Manage appointments and custody schedules, send messages to your private group, and organise contacts and documents from one app.
Available via: Apple, Android
Which bit is free: All features free to try for 14 days
Best features: All-in-one co-parenting and tracking tool with access to support team
2Houses
2Houses covers the basics and throws in advanced features to make co-parenting hassle-free. Features include comprehensive information sharing with the 2Houses Journal where you can share news, photos and videos, detailed expense tracking, wish lists, and an advanced management calendar.
Available via: Apple, Android, Web
Which bit is free: All features free to try for 14 days
Best features: Scheduling, expense tracking and messaging
Custody Connection
Mainly a calendar app, Custody Connection syncs custody schedules between two homes. The useful Trade Request feature lets you communicate with your co-parent if you need to swap custody days. It records accepted and declined requests and updates both calendars automatically.
Available via: Apple
Which bit is free: All features free to try for 30 days
Best features: Scheduling app for busy co-parents
