Parenting App for Court (And After): Custody X Change

Gathering and sorting custody evidence can be stressful and time-consuming, but Custody X Change has the tools you need to simplify the process. As the only parenting app with a parenting plan template or parenting time calculator, it gives you a unique edge in the courtroom.

Here's why Custody X Change is the app that gets you the best court order for your children.

Make a parenting plan with Custody X Change

Parenting plans spell out co-parenting arrangements. They include custody schedules and provisions (parenting rules) that cover topics ranging from legal custody to the child's diet.

Courts typically require parents to make a parenting plan. Parents make one together if they agree on parenting arrangements. They each propose their own plan to the court if they disagree.

The Custody X Change parenting plan template offers over 140 provisions and lets you create your own. Build a plan that will suit your child for years to come. You'll get a printable, court-ready parenting plan.

Try this with Custody X Change.

Create a schedule with Custody X Change

Your parenting plan will include a custody schedule. Your court will probably require you to suggest a schedule or two so you get one that works with your existing routine.

Custody X Change helps you create your ideal schedule from scratch or select from schedule templates.

You'll get a written and visual schedule ready to present in court.

Calculate parenting time with Custody X Change (scheduled and actual time)

Use a parenting time calculator to know exactly how much time your custody schedule gives you — with holidays, school breaks and one-time changes included.

In court, a calculation is helpful to:

• Get an accurate child support order: In many places, the more parenting time you have, the more support you'll receive (or the less you'll pay).
• Prove you're an involved parent: Plug in your current schedule to show the court how often you care for your child. Courts like to keep the balance the child is used to.
• Change your custody order: If the other parent isn't following your court-ordered schedule, compare it to your actual parenting time as evidence.

Custody X Change gives you a detailed breakdown of parenting time, calculated by hour or overnight visit.

Try this with Custody X Change.

Keep a journal with Custody X Change

The court will want to get a look into your life with your child and your co-parenting relationship with your ex. The Custody X Change journal is a good way to document both.

Each entry is dated, and you can attach photos or documents. Print your entire journal — or just entries with certain labels. It's much easier and more presentable than keeping multiple notebooks.

Log expenses with Custody X Change

The amount parents spend on child care and other child necessities can impact how much child support they pay or receive.

Custody X Change helps you keep track of expenses so you can prove exactly what you pay. You'll also see what the other parent owes you (or vice versa). Attach receipts for extra validation.

You can print reports for court or for the other parent. Choose which children, dates and expense categories you want to include.

Message your co-parent with Custody X Change

Trying to sort and print text messages is a mess. On the other hand, getting Custody X Change messages ready for court is simple. Filter by private labels or search by keyword, then tap a button to export an organized document.

Custody X Change messaging also saves you from dealing with a co-parent who lies to the court about conversations. It keeps a complete record of every thread and shows when a parent read a message.

As an added bonus, when you print messages, our hostility monitor flags harsh language so the judge can quickly see when the other parent was uncivil. And it warns you before you send a hostile message so you can keep your own language in check.

Is the Custody X Change co-parenting app court-approved?

Yes, Custody X Change data has been accepted as evidence by courts around the world — in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia and more.

Many judges especially like Custody X Change parenting plans and schedules for their professional quality. "Several judges and attorneys have commented on the clarity and precision (of Custody X Change parenting plans)," said Charles R. Meers, a family lawyer.

In some cases, judges even order parents to use Custody X Change for easier co-parenting, especially if one or both parents request this.

What the experts say

Custody X Change is widely regarded as one of the best tools for going to family court.

The National Parents Organization called Custody X Change the best app for preparing for court. "If your custody arrangement is being contested, Custody X Change helps you build a clear case with visitation reports and conflict-free evidence," it said.

Cross Jenks Mercer & Maffei law firm said it's the best app for parents in the divorce process because it's the only app that helps you make a parenting plan. Making a parenting plan with your ex can save you thousands of dollars compared to litigation.

Kenny Levine, a co-parenting therapist, ranked Custody X Change as a top co-parenting app. He said our detailed reports for court make Custody X Change particularly useful if you have a dispute over your parenting schedule.

The Bump called us the best app for creating a parenting plan. It also loved how parents can organize evidence in Custody X Change with our journal, expense tracker and more.

How Custody X Change compares

Here's how Custody X Change stacks up against other co-parenting apps.

To decide which parenting app to use for court, first think about your needs. For example, if you need to prove that your co-parent isn't following the custody schedule well, use Custody X Change. If your top priority is recording calls with your co-parent, use OurFamilyWizard or AppClose.

In most cases, Custody X Change is the best parenting app for court because it has the most unique features: a parenting plan template, a calculator for scheduled parenting time, and a tracker for actual parenting time. It enables you to create the widest variety of evidence so you can convince the judge what's right for your child.

Using Custody X Change after you've gone to court

Custody X Change is a popular parenting app for court and beyond.

After you get a custody order, you can continue to use the tools above, as well as the app's other helpful features:

• Enter your child's activities schedule to see it on top of the custody schedule.
• Store your child's information so you can quickly see their teachers, shoe size and more.
• Share your calendars with your child and others for free.

Whether you're in or out of court, the Custody X Change co-parenting app can support you throughout your journey.

One-minute video: Custody X Change overview

Frequently asked questions

Which co-parenting apps are most affordable?

Custody X Change has the lowest annual price, plus a free version. OurFamilyWizard, AppClose and TalkingParents offer fee waivers to parents who prove they have low incomes. AppClose and TalkingParents recently got rid of their free versions.

How can I download Custody X Change?

Log in at custodyxchange.com and click "install app." We're not in app stores so that we don't have to pass their extra fees to you. You can also use Custody X Change on our website without downloading anything.

Do both parents need to sign up for Custody X Change?

No, you can use every feature on your own, except for co-parent messaging. To share something with a co-parent who doesn't use Custody X Change, like a calendar or expense report, just print or export it. But using Custody X Change together is recommended because it lets you collaborate with less direct contact. To link accounts, both parents need to subscribe.