If you search for a co-parenting app, you'll find a dozen options — most built in the US, most assuming the same family shape, and several with pricing that stings. Here's an honest look at the main options available to UK families in 2026, including where each one genuinely shines, and where Larkling fits.
What actually matters in a co-parenting app
Before comparing names, it helps to know what does the heavy lifting day to day: a shared calendar both households actually check; messaging that keeps a record (and ideally lowers the temperature); expense tracking so money conversations don't happen at handover; and if things are difficult, records you could show a court. Everything else is nice-to-have.
The main options
OurFamilyWizard
The best-known name, widely used in US court orders and recognised by many UK family courts too. Strong on documentation — its ToneMeter and message records are the reason solicitors recommend it. The trade-off is cost: it's a paid subscription per parent, per year, which is a real barrier when one parent refuses to pay, and the interface feels built for compliance rather than everyday family life.
TalkingParents
Focused squarely on accountable communication — messages can't be edited or deleted, and records are available for legal use. A solid choice for high-conflict situations where the record is the point. Less developed as an everyday family organiser, and full features need a paid plan.
2Houses
European-built, with a good calendar and finance tools and family-friendly pricing. A reasonable all-rounder, though communication features are lighter than the court-focused apps.
Cozi
Not a co-parenting app at all — it's a general family organiser — but plenty of amicable co-parents use it happily. If you have no conflict and just need a shared calendar and lists, it's free and friendly. There's no messaging record, expense splitting, or anything court-ready.
AppClose
Free, US-built, with messaging, calendar and expense requests. Generous for the price of nothing, though UK-specific needs (and support) aren't its focus.
Larkling
We built Larkling because none of the above fit every family we knew. It's UK-first and free for the essentials: shared calendar, recorded messaging, expense tracking, and a private journal. Two things make it different. First, it's built for every family shape — separated mums and dads, yes, but equally two mums, platonic co-parents, blended crews and the grandparents doing Wednesdays. Second, the Tone Coach rewrites a heated message into something calm and child-focused before you send it — the feature we most wish existed everywhere else. Records can be exported if you ever need them.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | UK-first | Free tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larkling | Every family shape; calm communication | ✅ | ✅ core features |
| OurFamilyWizard | Court-ordered communication | ❌ | ❌ paid per parent |
| TalkingParents | Unalterable records in high conflict | ❌ | Limited |
| 2Houses | Calendar + finances all-rounder | ❌ | Trial |
| Cozi | Amicable families, simple organising | ❌ | ✅ |
| AppClose | Free everything, US-centric | ❌ | ✅ |
Details and pricing change — always check each provider's current plans.
Which should you choose?
If a court has ordered a specific app, use that one. If you're in high conflict and the record is everything, OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents have the longest track record with courts. For everyone else — including families that don't look like the apps' marketing photos — try Larkling free and see if calmer logistics change the temperature at home.