Communication Applications for Parents

Our Family Wizard (OFW) and Talking Parents are two of the most common communication services that help streamline communication between co-parents. Typically, these applications can be downloaded onto a phone or are accessible via computer. It is recommended the phone application be utilized so that parties do not miss messages from their coparent. Courts may order parties to utilize these applications when the parties engage in contentious conversations, have difficulty keeping conversations focused on one topic and regarding their child(ren) or are unable to communicate effectively with one another.

Our Family Wizard (OFW) and Talking Parents have different features that streamline communication between co-parents. Each service has an important role in civil communication between co-parents. While Talking Parents is a free application, Our Family Wizard has tiered costs associated with it. However, Our Family Wizard generally has more available features, and in our experience, is more user-friendly.

The first feature is video calls. Please note that Talking Parents only allows this feature on the paid accounts, not the free option. Similar to Facetime, video calls allow for the other co-parent to see the child/children when it is not their scheduled parenting time. There is additionally a method where recordings of the calls can occur, with the permission of both parties. This is beneficial when there is a court order requiring recorded calls. Allowing the calls through the application can also be beneficial when one parent is not allowed the other’s phone number for safety concerns.

The next feature is secure messaging. Secure messaging allows the parties to communicate with each other while keeping an unalterable record for the court. With Our Family Wizard, certain topics and message chains can be downloaded individually. When there is an issue on Our Family Wizard that needs to be reported to the Guardian ad Litem/Child Representative/Parenting Coordinator, your attorney, or the court, this allows the direct messages to be shown. On Talking Parents, a full text history can be downloaded as well. This feature is available in Talking Parents’ free account option.

Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents also feature shared calendars. Shared calendars are essential in successful co-parenting. It is important to have a comprehensive shared schedule for the routine of the child(ren) and for co-parents to be aware of the events their child(ren) are participating in. This applies to extracurricular activities, educational events, religious events, and medical appointments, which can all be added into the shared calendar to ensure that both parties are aware of the events even if the other parent scheduled it. The shared calendar also allows for all information to be in one place so that it does not get lost in messages and is memorialized clearly. This also can reduce conflict between parties if used correctly so that there is less back and forth as to whether one parent properly notified the other and reduces communication directly between the parties that could lead to conflict. This feature is available in Talking Parents’ free account option.

Both Our Family Wizard and Talking Parents (paid account option) offer expense sharing and tracking. Our Family Wizard’s term for expenses is “OFWpay” while Talking Parents calls expenses “Accountable Payments”. OFWpay and Accountable Payments are very similar with the primary focus being sharing expenses, however, OFWpay offers receipt storage and reimbursements while Accountable Payments offers reimbursements and reoccurring payments. Our Family Wizard has OFWpay and expense reimbursement. The difference between OFWpay and expense reimbursement is OFWpay facilitates secure money transfers for payment while expense reimbursement helps track expenses.

OFW includes a “moments” feature which is a check-in feature that allows the party to show that they are somewhere that they say they are. An example would be to demonstrate that they are timely dropping the child(ren) off at school. This is also an option for parties to notify the other parent when they have arrived for a parenting time exchange. Additionally, OFW includes a ToneMeter. The ToneMeter monitors the temperament of the conversation between co-parents and flags statements that may be inappropriate or not conducive to a productive conversation. The purpose of the ToneMeter is to keep the conversation civil and clear.

The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson has experience with Our Family Wizard and TalkingParents and can explain the benefit of the applications based on your specific circumstances. Contact The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC to schedule a consultation at 312-767-4220.

NOTICE: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as providing legal advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding this blog post.