Comparison
CoParent Circle vs TalkingParents
TalkingParents is one of the longest-running co-parenting record keepers, and its plans include messaging, a shared calendar, a journal, and file storage. What it no longer includes is a free plan — and what it charges a percentage for, we don't. Here's a side-by-side look at what each app actually does.
Why co-parents switch from TalkingParents
- 01A free plan still exists here. TalkingParents sells three paid plans starting at $7 per parent per month, and CoParent Circle is now the only one of the major apps with a genuine free tier.
- 02No percentage fee to settle up. TalkingParents' Accountable Payments carries a 2–4% fee depending on plan; CoParent Circle tracks splits, agreements, and settlements without taking a cut.
- 03Evidence that verifies itself: hash-anchored chain, digitally signed exports, Bates-numbered motion packets, and an order-compliance ledger on top of the unalterable log both apps keep.
- 04One bill covers the household — both parents, children, caregivers, and professional seats. TalkingParents is priced per parent.
Side-by-side comparison
Honest, current, and updated when either product ships new functionality.
| Feature | CoParent Circle | TalkingParents |
|---|---|---|
Free plan | ||
Paid plan starts at | $9.99/mo (Essentials) | $7/mo (Essentials, per parent) |
Top published tier | $39.99/mo (Family) | $32/mo (Ultimate, per parent) |
Two-parent shared billing | $34.99/mo (optional Pro Household) | Per-parent only |
Shared custody calendar | ||
Calendar change requests (accept / counter / deny) | ||
Conflict detection across parents' calendars | ||
In-app messaging | ||
Immutable message record | ||
Tone-check on outgoing messages Ours on Pro & Family; their Sentiment Scanner on Ultimate. | Pro & Family | Ultimate tier |
Expense splits & reimbursements | ||
Fee to send money between parents | No in-app payments | 2–4% by plan |
Document / file vault | ||
Recorded calls included | Minutes by plan | |
Court-ready PDF / CSV reports | Pro & Family | |
Hash-anchored, independently verifiable exports | ||
Bates-numbered motion-ready packets | ||
Order-compliance ledger | ||
In-app professional access to your case They share records by download or print instead. | Seats on paid plans | |
Full Spanish product & site | ||
Native iOS & Android apps | PWA + native (in TestFlight) |
Switching from TalkingParents
Most switchers keep their TalkingParents Records Download for the historical period and start fresh in CoParent Circle. The two records sit side-by-side — your attorney can reference either one for the date range it covers.
FAQ
Is CoParent Circle a real alternative to TalkingParents?
Yes. Both apps cover secure messaging on an unalterable record, a shared calendar, a personal journal, and file storage. The differences are the free plan (we have one, they no longer do), payment handling (they charge a percentage fee to move money; we track and settle balances without a fee), and evidence depth — our exports are hash-anchored, digitally signed, and can be assembled into Bates-numbered motion packets.
How does pricing compare?
TalkingParents publishes three per-parent plans: Essentials $7/month, Enhanced $16/month, and Ultimate $32/month, with about 8% off when paid annually. There is no free plan. CoParent Circle is $0 on Free, $9.99/month on Essentials, $19.99/month on Pro, optional Pro Household at $34.99 for both parents in one circle, and Family at $39.99 for blended or multi-circle families.
Does TalkingParents have a shared calendar?
Yes — every TalkingParents plan includes a shared calendar, secure messaging, an info library, and a personal journal. Where CoParent Circle goes further on scheduling is change requests with accept/counter/deny, conflict detection across both parents' calendars, and per-child tags for school, medical, and activities.
Are messages on CoParent Circle court-admissible like on TalkingParents?
The evidentiary properties are equivalent: no edits, no deletes, every message timestamped, every export carries a chain-of-custody manifest. We add a published hash-verification method so an attorney or expert can check an export independently. Admissibility itself is always a courtroom-level question.
Can I invite my attorney or mediator?
Yes. CoParent Circle includes professional read-only seats on paid plans with per-resource control — 1 on Essentials, 3 on Pro, 5 on Family. On TalkingParents you share records with a professional by downloading or printing your Unalterable Record rather than granting them an in-app view of your case.
Try CoParent Circle free
Free plan covers calendar, messaging, and basic expenses. No credit card.