Abuse Using Technology

Apps that track communications between parents can protect you in a few ways. If there is a dispute between you and your co-parent about what was said, there is an electronic record of it. Knowing communications may easily be seen by the judge might deter an abuser from using co-parenting communications to harass you. Alternatively, the log may help if you have to prove abuse or harassment in court or provide documentation to an attorney or law enforcement official.

These apps can also provide clear visitation schedules that clarify the custody arrangement when parents need to plan vacations or other activities. Using such tools therefore reduces the need for parents to speak in person or over the phone. This could reduce or eliminate your and your child’s exposure to high-conflict communications that may otherwise happen in person or over the phone.