Post-separation parenting apps in the hands of family law practitioners: expectations versus experience

Post-separation parenting apps are an alternative to mainstream digital communication (e.g. text and email) for separated parents. They vary in cost and features, generally incorporating a messaging tool, shared calendar, expense tracker, and the ability to export records for legal purposes. While often recommended in the context of family law, evidence for efficacy and safety is lacking. This study sought insights from family law professionals about the value of post-separation parenting apps in high-conflict cases. Thirty family mediators, known in Australia as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, role-played pairs of high-conflict separated parents using one of 10 popular post-separation parenting apps. After completing a set of common co-parenting tasks, dyadic interviews and focus groups were used to discuss their observations. Overall, practitioners expressed disappointment with the apps. Key themes included potential individual differences in separated parents' technical skills, time availability, and intentions towards app use. Usability challenges specific to the tested apps were also identified. Rather than simplifying interactions for separated parents, these combined contextual variables were thought likely to contribute to frustration and inter-parental conflict. As a result, practitioners in the study resolved to be far more cautious with app recommendations for high-conflict clients.