Being a co-parent is no easy feat. Well, being a parent is no easy feat but no matter the relationship with your co-parent, it can be an extra burden we could all do without. So, co-parents are likely to look for anything that will make raising a child alone easier. If that sounds like you, take a look at our suggestions for some online tools to help you out.
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is immensely helpful, not least because you’re likely to already have it on your phone. Even if you don’t, you should set up your child’s life in an online calendar. Input all clubs, school events, social events, their everyday timetable, and days unused so far.
Why an online calendar? Yes, you can do all that in a physical calendar, but the best part about an online calendar is that multiple accounts can access it, which means if your co-parent wants to ask permission to switch days this weekend, they can consult the calendar first to make sure your children are free. And you can send it to extended family who might want to spend the day with your little ones with minimal interactions, like in-laws that want to see their grandchildren.
Child maintenance calculator
Raising a child is not cheap. In fact, it’s the main reason people are choosing not to have children if they can avoid it. And while it’s true that it wouldn’t be fair to make a child live in poverty, there is an option for co-parents: child maintenance. Unfortunately, despite the concept being mandatory, child maintenance is often lowered or ignored to avoid a fight. You might not even be sure as to how much you are entitled to from your co-parent. That takes a few different elements into consideration. It’s not a set charge for the parent of your child. If you’re lost, you can check out Cordell and Cordell, a divorce lawyer in London that offers a child maintenance calculator on their website. Use it as a first step to get what you’re entitled to. It will help you raise your child.
PayPal
PayPal is a bank transfer with extra steps, but those steps are very helpful if you’re trying to get money from a co-parent. You can prompt them with a request for funds, which they can accept or deny, but either way you have an electronic paper trail of the interaction. In turn, you will have proof that you also contribute to your child’s financial needs when prompted, taking an argument as old as custody battles and giving it proof. Erasing the “he said, she said” element to an extent. It’s a good idea to not rely on PayPal, however. You might want to print any receipts you get from contributing to your child’s future, should things eventually go sour.
Amazon wish list
What did we do for Christmas before the Amazon wish list? The ability to share your letter to Santa with whoever you want has made things a lot simpler. In this example, however, we’re less talking about toys and more about expenses. As we’ve mentioned, being a parent is not cheap, so if your co-parent is willing to chip in on things that your child needs that can be found on Amazon, like equipment for clubs or trips. How awkward it is sharing this wish list and asking for chipping in is up to you. But it’s not just your co-parent that it can get sent to. Consider sharing it fi in-laws or extended family offer to help out or are looking for a gift for an upcoming birthday.
