Separation and divorce can be extremely difficult for all parties involved. The emotions, changes to your physical environment, and especially the expenses can be hard to cope with. And while many cases of divorce are simple and free of high levels of stress, many are not. For example, one parent may have been subjected to domestic violence by the other parent. Ensuring there is a protective order in place can be helpful.
In rare instances, one or both parties may need to take steps to file a restraining order, also referred to as a no contact order, and may be issued by a judge. While a no contact order or restraining order can allow peace and comfort to a party, having no contact with a spouse while children are involved is challenging. Communications regarding sickness, academics, behavior, and child expenses are necessary, even when you have a no contact order, restraining order, or other protective order in place against the other parent.
What Is Co-Parenting?
Co-parenting is a term that describes the process in which two parents share the responsibilities that are necessary to raise children. This includes when two parents share the legal and physical custody of a child or children. They parent with each other and, therefore, co-parent.
While the distribution of marital property and marital finances can be resolved within a reasonable time, custodial responsibilities will last for years, and it is necessary to find a way to work together with the other parent. However, making co-parenting work in a way that will benefit the children can be difficult if there is a restraining order or no contact order in place.
What Apps Can You Use to Co-Parent When You’re Under a No Contact Order?
Today, there are new and innovative ways that will assist in co-parenting with a spouse that you can’t get along with, even if you are subjected to a no contact order or restraining order. And while these innovations are beneficial, they do come with a cost.
Most of the co-parenting applications cost approximately $100-$150 per year, though this may feel like a small price to pay for your comfort and personal safety. Some may even feel this is a small cost to pay to make a no contact order, restraining order, or other legal action work better for them.
It may take some initial communication and convincing to persuade the other parent to use the app, however. If necessary, we recommend you communicate through the court, with a third-party witness present, or with another family member. Especially if there are any protective orders in place, having someone else present can ensure more safety for everyone involved.
Applications are available to download on your phone or accessible through a website. It quickly becomes common for judges to court-order apps like this for parents to communicate following a no contact order, domestic violence charges, restraining orders, or other legal issues.
Some of the popular co-parenting apps include the following:
- Our Family Wizard
- Co-Parenter
- Co-Parently
- Truece
- App Close
The co-parenting apps work in essentially the same way. There is a messaging piece that parents can send information back and forth to each other, allowing them to communicate while under the restrictions of a no contact order or restraining order. A calendar, journal, and expense report are available as well.
Everything you need to communicate with your ex-spouse is there in one easy location, meaning you can minimize interactions within the app. This aspect of some applications are essential while under a no contact order or restraining order. Some co-parenting apps even allow you to exchange fees for expenses without having to see each other. This means that some of these apps are ideal for parents who are under a no contact order.
Prioritize Your Children’s Best Interests
It is critical to find the best possible option for you and your situation. While not everyone’s case is the same, each family should have the same goals in mind. Co-parent in a safe and effective way that will not harm the children involved. Even though you have established legal action through your no contact order or restraining order, your kids and their well-being should still be your top priorities.
Maybe you’ve initiated one of these restraining orders to protect the child from the other parent, domestic violence issues, increased child custody rights, or other problems. Regardless of why you have initiated any restraining orders, you don’t have to manage legal matters alone.
Especially if you are concerned about the well-being of your child while co-parenting, we recommend you work with a family law attorney from King Law. We can support you in many ways throughout this difficult process.
Contact King Law for Support With Your No Contact Order Case
If you are faced with a child custody issue, you don’t have to walk the journey alone. Let King Law navigate the process and help guide you each step of the way. Whether you need a custody order, protective order, or perhaps circumstances have changed and your existing order needs to be modified, King Law can help. An experienced family law attorney from our firm can support you in many ways throughout this difficult time.
Call us at (888) 748-5464 or (888) 748-KING. You can also fill out our contact form. We also encourage you to visit the family law section of our website and child custody blog for more information.