Many parents feel that they are being deprived of parenting time with their children by the actions of the other parent. Parents argue about whose weekend it is to be, who is to have what holiday, what makeup time is to be allowed and when summer extended parenting time may begin and end. Parents argue that they have reached an agreement as to a particular parenting time but there is no record of such communication. What is the Court to do? It’s the old “he said/she said” dilemma. There is no reason that this should occur with all of the internet programs and apps that are now available. Some of these are free and some cost a nominal amount. One program and app that I have recently found iswww.ourfamilywizard.com. There, a parent can find calendars where each parent can place in the dates and times and agree on parenting time in advance for an entire year. Changes can be made as each of the parties agrees on this calendar. The best part is that there is a communications part of this website and app that allows parents to communicate back and forth allowing a constant and continuing record of their communications. This can then be printed and brought to court as evidence as to what the agreements were. This allows a court to determine who may or may not be at fault. This allows parents to maximize their agreements, minimize misunderstandings and most importantly, decrease stress both on each parent and on the children. This site also has numerous articles beneficial to parents’ understandings of the divorce process, and needs of the children with regard to the impact a divorce may have on them, among other things. There is a cost to this website.
Another great website is www.proudtoparent.org. Many courts in Indiana require parents to join this website and complete a simple questionnaire to help each parent understand the other parent’s positions and the needs of children. Many of my clients have found this website to be a valuable resource. This website also has articles and other features that are popular with many of my clients. Another similar website is www.uptoparents.org. For parents trying to stay together and not divorce try www.nodivorcetoday.org.
Feel free to investigate these sites and apps and all of the numerous other sites and apps that are available to you. Please contact Joshua I. Tourkow for further information or to discuss any child custody or parenting time issues that you may have.