Smarter Co-Parenting Through Technology
5 Benefits of Technology
Whether you’re separated or divorced, use technology to your advantage to make your life and situation easier.
Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our daily lives — from the way we communicate to how we work, connect, and maintain relationships. These changes extend to family dynamics, including how separated or divorced parents collaborate in raising their children. Although technology can introduce new challenges, it has proven especially helpful in making co-parenting more manageable, organized, and peaceful. As a practicing family law attorney, Anne Tuinstra is committed to caring for families before, during, and after a divorce.
Here’s how technology is transforming co-parenting for the better.
Staying In Sync: Communication & Coordination
Clear, Centralized Messaging
Co-parenting apps provide a neutral, organized space for communication—reducing the need for scattered emails or emotional text threads. Built-in tone checkers and conversation logs help ensure discussions stay respectful and focused. Having everything documented in one place also supports accountability and can be helpful in legal situations.
Shared Calendars & Real-Time Updates
Whether it’s Google Calendar or a dedicated co-parenting platform, shared scheduling tools help both parents stay informed about school events, doctor visits, vacations, and custody exchanges. Many platforms allow for real-time changes and notes, ensuring both parties are aware of updates without repeated back-and-forth.
Information at Your Fingertips
All the Essentials in One Place
Cloud-based platforms and apps allow parents to store important documents like:
Medical records
School messages and grades
Extracurricular schedules
Having access to these files anytime means both parents can stay involved and make informed decisions—even if only one holds legal custody.
Legal & Parenting Plan Compliance
Digital logs and time-stamped entries provide a clear record of communication, schedule changes, and responsibilities. This can serve as valuable evidence in court or mediation settings, especially when proving adherence to parenting plans or custody agreements.
Supporting the Parent-Child Bond
Staying Connected, Even When Apart
Technology makes it easier than ever for children to maintain a strong bond with both parents.
Video calls help parents stay involved in daily routines like bedtime stories or homework help.
Messaging apps allow casual, ongoing communication—strengthening connection across households.
These tools are especially helpful for long-distance parenting or in cases where physical custody time is limited.
Managing Money Without Conflict
Track & Share Expenses Transparently
Financial responsibilities can be a frequent source of tension in co-parenting. Apps like DComply, OurFamilyWizard, and Honeydue offer tools to:
Log expenses
Upload receipts
Calculate and divide costs automatically
These features remove guesswork, reduce disputes, and promote fairness when covering your child's needs.
Everyday Tech, Built for Co-Parents
General Tools That Still Work Well
Even without specialized apps, tools like Google Calendar, Dropbox, or WhatsApp can be effective for managing schedules, sharing files, and staying connected.
Apps Designed for Co-Parenting
For more tailored support, co-parenting apps combine multiple features—like messaging, scheduling, expense tracking, and document storage into one platform. Some also offer:
Custody tracking
Virtual mediation
Co-parenting education tools
Popular co-parenting apps include:
Family Law Guidance with Custody or Parenting Plans
Family law attorney Anne Tuinstra has guided many families through the co-parenting process, including crafting and modifying parenting plans that work. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Anne for support.