Abuse Using Technology

Electronic apps or programs designed for co-parenting situations can facilitate communication between parties and coordinate custody and visitation schedules. They are often used when there is domestic violence and the parents cannot safely communicate by phone, text, or in person with the other parent.

These tools can be especially useful when there is a dispute between you and the co-parent about what was said since there is a record of the communications. If the co-parent is abusive, having a record of the conversation in one place and available to court professionals and your lawyer may deter him/her from using custody and visitation communications to harass you. Additionally, having clear visitation schedules that clarify the custody arrangement can be helpful when parents need to plan vacations or other activities. Using co-parenting tools could also eliminate the child’s exposure to certain high-conflict communications that may otherwise happen in person or over the phone in the child’s earshot.