In 2024, there are thousands of scheduling apps. Whether it is a Gmail calendar, Outlook planner, or an old fashion daily agenda, keeping track of multiple schedules can be extremely difficult. Coordinating children’s schedules are difficult when your married or living with your partner. Managing those schedules is even more difficult in divorce and separate parenting even if the parties get along. The necessary coordination is even more exacerbated when the parties do not get along. Even in the best scenarios, communication can be strained between parents. After all, they did break-up or get divorced. A common refrain that we hear from clients or opposing parties is “my spouse/co-parent didn’t tell me” about the teacher’s meeting, soccer practice, friend’s birthday party, etc. Another common response we hear is “I didn’t check my texts/email” or “I don’t have access to the calendar/portal”. Whether out of spite, discourtesy or simple forgetfulness, communication problems can lead to bad feeling between the parties. The solution to that problem is a co-parenting app.
Co-parenting apps streamline two critical processes: messaging and scheduling. The apps of course offer much more, but these are the critical selling points to those parties that need to communicate better but struggle to do so. The two “main” apps as of 2024 are Our Family Wizard and AppClose. Many people say that AppClose is the “free” Our Family Wizard. However, the apps are different and worthy of individual investigation for interested (or court ordered) parents. It is worth noting that there is a potential fee waiver for Our Family Wizard for financially strapped parties.
The benefits of these apps are readily apparent. A shared calendar that integrates with your parenting schedule will prevent confusion about necessary appointments as well as provide actual notice to the non-scheduling parent. In addition, it will allow easy rescheduling by mentioning alternatives if the date does not work for the parent. Likewise, messaging creates a secure platform that can track tone and ensure a clear record of communication as opposed to texting and other apps where messages can be lost, edited or deleted. Some of these apps have other features too that include such functions as sharing costs for medical expenses or sports, a journal for a child’s achievements or school requirements, and more.
In sum, a co-parenting app is essential because it makes the parents’ (and children’s) lives considerably easier. It may be that texting is easier and works for certain parents. However, such an investment in an app like this will prevent spending more money and time later when you may be more acrimonious with your ex. If you have questions about parenting through divorce or a separation, contact one of the experienced attorneys at Parnell, Michels & McKay, PLLC. We can provide you with practical parenting advice conjoined with the legal prowess necessary to help you come up with a long-lasting solution in your case.
We have two locations to serve you:
25 Nashua Rd., Suite C5, Londonderry, NH 03053. The phone number is (603) 434-6331.
137 Main Street, P.O Box 669, N. Woodstock, NH 03262. The phone number is (603) 745-8600.
Rory Parnell is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and New England Law – Boston. Rory worked full-time, for the then Law Offices of Parnell & McKay, every year he was in law school, and has been working at Parnell & McKay and then Parnell, Michels & McKay since 2002. Rory has been a partner at the firm since 2017, and dedicates his practice primarily to civil litigation.
Rory has been admitted to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bar Associations since 2011, and is licensed to practice in the United States District Court of New Hampshire. Rory works primarily in the areas of Injury (including motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle collisions, slip and falls, dog bites, trip and falls, and other injuries), Workers Compensation, Real Estate Litigation, Landlord/Tenant, Disability, and General Litigation areas.
Awards and Recognition's:
2021 Forty Under 40 Honoree from the Union Leader
2020 Pro Bono Distinguished Service Award
2017 New Hampshire Bar Foundation -Robert Kirby Award
2014 Pro Bono Rising Star Award
L. Jonathan Ross Award Winner for 2024
Professional and Charitable Affiliations:
Member – New Hampshire Association for Justice
Member – Massachusetts Academy for Trial Attorneys
Member – Queen City Rotary Club
Vice Chair – 603 Legal Aid
President – The Bridge Project (501c3)
Member – Daniel Webster-Batchelder American Inns of Court
Member – NH Bar Lawyer Referral Service Committee