Co-parenting apps can help separated parents manage communication, parenting schedules, expenses and information about their children in one place. For parents experiencing difficult or high-conflict communication, some apps also provide tools designed to reduce emotionally charged exchanges and maintain clear records.
Under Australian family law, the best interests of the child are the paramount consideration when a Court makes parenting orders. The Court considers a range of factors, including the child’s safety, their individual needs and views, and the benefit of having relationships with their parents and other significant people where it is safe to do so.
While a co-parenting app cannot resolve every parenting dispute, it can provide greater structure around day-to-day communication. Depending on the app, parents may be able to manage changeovers and school activities, share expenses and documents, keep records of communications and use tools designed to reduce conflict.
Below, we compare five co-parenting apps available to separated parents in Australia, including their key features, costs and what to consider when deciding which option may suit your family.
| App | Useful for | Key features | Price* |
| Family Guardian | Managing difficult communication | Secure messaging, message records, message review tools | From $12.99/month |
| KidsFirst | Conflict filtering and an all-in-one free option | AI Conflict Filter, calendar, expenses, documents and message export | Free |
| OurFamilyWizard | Comprehensive co-parenting management | Messaging, calendar, expenses and documented video/audio calls | From $199.99/year per parent |
| 2houses | Scheduling and shared expenses | Calendar, expenses, journal and information sharing | $169.99/year |
| Cozi | Simple family organisation | Shared calendar, lists and reminders | Free version available |
Prices and features checked 22 September 2026 and may change. Check the provider’s website for current pricing and features before subscribing.
Family Guardian
Family Guardian provides a single, secure channel where communication takes place within the app. Messages are time and date stamped when sent and read, cannot be edited or deleted, and can be exported if needed. This may be particularly useful where there are ongoing disputes or parents need clear records of their communication.
One of its key features is Guardian Rewrite support, which helps parents reframe responses using established communication principles such as the BIFF method: Brief, Informative, Friendly and Firm.
The aim is to help parents draft replies that are clear, child-focused and less likely to escalate conflict. The app does not send messages on a user’s behalf. Parents remain in control and can accept, edit or ignore suggestions.
Price: From $12.99 per month
Learn more: Family Guardian
KidsFirst
KidsFirst is a free co-parenting app combining messaging, a shared calendar, expense tracking, document storage and an AI Conflict Filter.
KidsFirst says its Conflict Filter rewrites hostile language before a message reaches the recipient. Messages cannot be edited or deleted once sent, and communication history can be exported as a timestamped PDF.
The app also allows parents to upload receipts and track shared expenses, manage children’s schedules and changeovers through a shared calendar, and store shared files and photos.
Price: Free
Learn more: KidsFirst
OurFamilyWizard
OurFamilyWizard is designed specifically for separated and co-parenting families and includes tools for communication, parenting schedules, expenses and information sharing.
Its features include secure messaging, a shared calendar and expense tracking. It also offers communication tools designed to help parents identify potentially problematic wording before sending messages.
Another useful feature is documented audio and video calling, allowing parents and children to communicate within the app without sharing phone numbers. The app documents details of each call, including dates, times and in-call activity. On the Max plan, calls can also be recorded and transcribed, with recordings and transcripts available to download.
Price: Australian plans currently start from AUD $199.99 per year, per parent.
Learn more: OurFamilyWizard
2houses
2houses provides tools for separated parents to organise parenting arrangements and share information about their children.
Features include a shared calendar for parenting schedules and activities, expense management and a journal where parents can share information, photos and updates.
Price: $169.99 per year for a family account.
Learn more: 2houses
Cozi
Cozi is a family organiser rather than an app designed specifically for separated parents, but its shared planning tools may still be useful for some co-parenting families.
It includes a colour-coded family calendar, reminders, to-do lists, shopping lists and meal planning. This may suit parents whose main priority is coordinating children’s activities and everyday schedules rather than managing difficult communication.
Price: Free version available, with paid plans also available.
Learn more: Cozi
How to choose a co-parenting app
There isn’t one co-parenting app that will suit every separated family. The right option will depend on your parenting arrangements, communication style and what you need help managing.
Before choosing an app, consider:
- Communication: Do you simply need a dedicated messaging platform, or would tools that identify or reframe potentially inflammatory language be useful?
- Parenting schedules: Do you need a shared calendar for changeovers, school events, appointments and extracurricular activities?
- Expenses: Do you need to record children’s expenses, upload receipts or keep track of reimbursements?
- Record keeping: Can communications and other information be exported if you need to provide them to your lawyer or another professional?
- Cost: Is the subscription charged per parent or per family?
- Privacy and security: What information does the provider collect, where is it stored and how is it used?
- Your existing parenting arrangements: If you have parenting orders or a parenting plan, check whether they specify how communication between parents is to occur.
For some families, a straightforward shared calendar may be all that is needed. For others, particularly where communication is difficult or conflict is ongoing, having a dedicated communication platform and a clear record of exchanges may be more important.
Can co-parenting app messages be used in family law proceedings?
Some co-parenting apps allow messages, calendars, expenses and other records to be exported. Depending on the circumstances, these records may be relevant in a family law matter.
However, simply communicating through a co-parenting app does not automatically mean everything recorded in the app will be admissible as evidence or determine how much weight the Court will give that material.
If parenting proceedings are underway, or your parenting orders require communication through a particular platform, it is sensible to obtain legal advice before changing how you communicate with the other parent.
As a practical rule, written communication through a parenting app should generally be approached in the same way as other written communication: keep it factual, respectful and focused on matters concerning the children.
Need advice about parenting arrangements after separation?
Technology can make some aspects of co-parenting easier, but an app cannot resolve every disagreement about parenting arrangements. If you are navigating a separation and need advice about parenting arrangements, communication with your former partner or your options for resolving a parenting dispute, our family law team can help you understand the options available for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Co Parenting Apps
What is a co-parenting app?
A co-parenting app is a digital tool that can help separated parents manage communication and practical parenting arrangements. Depending on the app, features may include messaging, shared calendars, expense tracking, document storage and communication tools designed to reduce conflict.
What is the best co-parenting app in Australia?
There is no single co-parenting app that will be best for every family. The right app depends on what you need help managing. Some parents primarily need a shared calendar. Others may benefit from secure messaging, expense tracking, communication records or tools designed to assist with high-conflict communication.
Are there free co-parenting apps in Australia?
Yes. KidsFirst currently offers its co-parenting features free, while Cozi offers a free version of its family organiser. Features and pricing can change, so check the provider’s current terms and pricing before choosing an app.
Can co-parenting apps help with high-conflict communication?
Some co-parenting apps include features specifically designed to reduce conflict or encourage more neutral communication. For example, Family Guardian offers optional Guardian Rewrite support, KidsFirst has an AI Conflict Filter and OurFamilyWizard provides tools designed to help users review the tone of communications.
These tools may help introduce structure into communication, but they do not replace professional support or legal advice where there are significant parenting disputes or safety concerns.
Can messages from a co-parenting app be used in Court?
Potentially. Some apps allow communications and other records to be exported, and that material may be relevant to family law proceedings.
Whether particular material is admissible and the weight a Court gives it will depend on the circumstances. If you are involved in parenting proceedings, obtain legal advice about preserving and using communications relevant to your matter.
Do both parents need to use the same co-parenting app?
Generally, both parents will need to use the platform to take advantage of shared communication, calendars and other co-parenting features. However, account structures and subscription requirements differ between providers.
Should I use a co-parenting app if there has been family violence?
This will depend on your circumstances. An app may provide structure or reduce communication across multiple channels, but it is not a substitute for appropriate safety measures.
Any parenting orders, apprehended violence orders and safety concerns should be considered when deciding how communication should occur. If there has been family violence or you are concerned about safety, obtain legal advice about the arrangements appropriate to your circumstances.
A note about the apps in this article: Orman Solicitors does not rank these apps, and inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement. App features, terms and prices can change. Before choosing a service, check the provider’s current pricing, terms and privacy policy.
Read next: At What Age Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Australia?
Originally published: July 2025
Reviewed and updated: September 2026
Belinda Doyle
Senior Solicitor
Belinda is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law who is passionate about helping people navigate life’s most challenging transitions with confidence and clarity. With over a decade of experience in family law, Belinda provides practical, compassionate advice tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. She also holds a Master of Laws majoring in Family Law from The College of Law Australia.
Disclaimer: The content presented in this article is offered for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for professional guidance. If you have questions or require legal assistance, we strongly recommend consulting with a Solicitor to address your individual circumstances.