Why Use TalkingParents Over Other Co-Parenting Platforms
Why our tools and support network are the go-to choice over OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, and other competitors.
- 4.5 min read
- custody
When you’re navigating co-parenting, the tools you use to manage your shared parenting situation matter. Communication, documentation, and accountability aren’t just conveniences—they’re essential for protecting your time, your finances, and your peace of mind. While dozens of apps are available, with more seemingly added each day, not all of them are built with the realities of co-parenting in mind.
TalkingParents was designed specifically to support clear, documented communication between co-parents. No matter if your dynamic is cooperative, high conflict, or somewhere in between, you can move forward with confidence by leaning on our service, tools, and support network. Here’s a side-by-side look at how we stack up against our competitors, and why those differences matter for co-parents like you.
Why use TalkingParents over OurFamilyWizard
OurFamilyWizard (OFW) is one of the most well-known co-parenting apps, but its pricing model and feature restrictions can make it less accessible for many families. You’re required to pay for a full year upfront, which limits flexibility if your circumstances change. There’s no free plan available, and the lowest-priced option averages out to $12.50 per month, making it a higher initial commitment with no room to swap plans.
TalkingParents offers a more flexible and accommodating approach to pricing. You can choose from three paid monthly plans, switch based on your changing needs, and cancel at any time. If you want to save money, you can choose to pay for your plan annually and get 16% off—meaning you get 12 months of TalkingParents for the cost of 10. We offer a Free Plan to all co-parents, and our paid options start at $6 per month, so you can choose whatever level best fits your needs and budget.
There are also meaningful differences in how calls are handled and preserved. With OFW, you can only choose to record outgoing calls if you’re on their top-tier plan. Your shared call recordings and transcripts aren’t accessible if you’re on a lower-tier plan, and call documentation is deleted after 365 days. The Accountable Calling feature in TalkingParents automatically records and transcribes all calls, without requiring you to choose a more expensive plan or select which ones are documented. Your recordings and transcripts are never deleted, so you can review and download them whenever you need them—even if it’s over a year later.
Documentation is another key area where our platforms differ. OFW offers some level of records through its downloadable reports, but these PDF reports are not certified or authenticated in any way. The only way to get a verified report is to initiate a business records affidavit request, which takes up to 14 business days and requires assistance from their support team. With our Enhanced and Ultimate Plans, you can quickly download on-demand, electronically certified PDF Records whenever you need them. Each Record comes with a digital signature, 16-digit authentication code, and QR code that all indicate that it has not been altered in any way.
Why use TalkingParents over AppClose
AppClose is often positioned as an affordable co-parenting option, but it can create challenges if you need consistent access, support, and documentation. AppClose switched from offering a free plan to charging $8.99 per month, which limits your ability to use basic tools without committing to a paid plan. Its tools are only available on a mobile app, and you can only reach out to its customer support through email tickets.
TalkingParents equips you with more flexible options for plans, account access, and support. We offer a Free Plan to all co-parents, and our paid plans start at just $6 per month. You can manage your account from our app or any web browser, giving you the freedom to use a desktop or mobile device to stay connected wherever and however you want. If you ever need assistance, our support team can be reached through traditional email tickets and faster live chats on our website and Help Center.
Why use TalkingParents over Custody X Change
Custody X Change strongly emphasizes parenting plans and custody schedule tools, but it lacks effective communication and documentation features. The platform doesn’t have a free plan, and its lowest monthly plan starts at $10. Video and phone calling aren’t available, shared information storage is limited to preset categories, and key tools such as journaling and expense tracking are only available with higher-tier plans.
TalkingParents combines planning, communication, and documentation in one platform without restricting helpful features to our paid plans. You gain access to all features for $6 per month with our Essentials Plan, and we also offer key features with our Free Plan. You can access your Personal Journal on any plan, fully customize cards to share details in your Info Library, and send and receive Accountable Payments on any paid plan. Plus, you can make secure video and phone calls through the same app you use to manage everything else in your co-parenting situation.
Why use TalkingParents over BestInterest
BestInterest claims to help with high conflict by using AI, but it offers a limited set of co-parenting tools and lacks centralized, secure documentation features. Its monthly plans start at $14.99, and there is no free plan available. Phone calls are available but not recorded, any stored non-image files are visible to your ex if you match accounts, and there are no in-app tools for managing schedules, expenses, or shared information.
TalkingParents equips you with an all-in-one service that never compromises your privacy. We offer plans starting at a much lower price, plus a free one. Every phone and video call is recorded, and you can store files and other personal information without sharing it with your ex. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of coordinating custody exchanges, payments, and more in separate apps that aren’t as secure or court-ready.
Why use TalkingParents over Cozi
Cozi is designed for general family organization, and its shortcomings are especially clear for separated or divorced parents. The app is geared toward single-home families and doesn’t include built-in messaging, calling, or expense-tracking tools for co-parents. Calendar events can be edited without a record of changes, and entire accounts can be deleted by anyone who has access to the shared login information.
TalkingParents was built specifically for co-parents, by co-parents. Your account is completely separate from your ex’s, even when matched, and all messages, calls, payments, and calendar updates are securely stored, timestamped, and recorded in the same service. Accounts and records cannot be deleted, so you have long-term documentation and accountability for your situation whenever you need it.
Why use TalkingParents over other common co-parenting services
Besides these main options, other common apps on the market today lack full-service solutions—even those geared for shared custody situations. SupportPay: Calendar & Messages (formerly WeParent) and 2Houses support messaging and scheduling, but lack audio and video calling capabilities. OnWard can only help you coordinate payments, and Peaceful CoParenting Messenger only documents written communication. These alternatives may be good for one thing, but they’re not capable of supporting every aspect of co-parenting as TalkingParents can.
Choose TalkingParents, the industry-leading app
Why use TalkingParents over competitors? There’s an overwhelming number of services available, but our competition falls short of what you need and deserve. When you choose TalkingParents, you also join an unmatched support network with the most all-encompassing knowledge base of any shared parenting platform on the market. From our parenting resources and social channels to our webinars and newsletters, every piece and partnership is carefully curated to give you free access to important information that can help you co-parent confidently.