Communication Tools for Co-Parents

Frequently, I get complaints from clients about the way their soon-to-be ex communicates with them. Unfortunately, poor communication tactics, such as name-calling, multiple messages within a short time span, or refusal to address the issue to be decided are common. Additionally, from an attorney’s perspective, trying to print text messages or emails for use in court can be clunky and very time-consuming.

Fortunately, there are a number of communication tools designed to help co-parents. One major advantage to these systems is that all of them allow you to request a certified copy of all of your communications with the other party. This makes using your communications in court much easier.

Talking Parents (https://talkingparents.com)

Talking Parents is a free service that allows messaging between the parties, a personal journal, and a shared calendar. You can download the app on your phone, or access your message through their website.

For additional fees, you can get unlimited access to PDF records of your communications, calling features (including transcripts of calls), personal file storage, and an attachment library.

Our Family Wizard (https://www.ourfamilywizard.com)

In addition to a communication log, Our Family Wizard also has a family calendar and an expense log. You can give your children accounts, allowing them to see shared memories in the journal and exchange messages with other family members. You can also add third-party professionals, such as attorney, therapists, and mediators, to your account.

Our Family Wizard is a paid service, though they do have a fee waiver program.

Civil Communicator (https://www.civilcommunicator.com)

Civil Communicator is the most expensive option, but it is my top choice for high-conflict cases. Civil Communicator uses an email center to monitor all communications between you and your ex. When you send an email, it drops into a queue at Civil Communicator’s center. The email is reviewed, edited if necessary, and then sent to the other party. You also receive a copy of the edited communication, with feedback as to why your message was edited.

For more information on improving communication, please visit this blog post: Tips for Improving Your Communications.