Best Co-Parenting in North Carolina — 11 resources

About Co-Parenting for Women

Co-parenting programs help separated and divorced mothers share custody constructively and document communication. Most states require court-ordered parent education (often called 'children first' or 'co-parenting' classes) before finalizing a divorce or custody order involving minor children — typically 4–6 hours, online or in person, costing 5–$75. Court-based mediation programs are often free or sliding-scale and certified through state mediation councils. Digital tools like OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses provide court-admissible message logs, shared calendars, and expense tracking that family judges increasingly require in high-conflict cases. This directory includes state-required classes, mediators, and co-parenting apps.

Co-Parenting in North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina and the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) serve women statewide.

11 Resources

1. Catholic Charities NC — Family Services — Free

Catholic Charities NC — Family Services is a North Carolina co-parenting resource helping mothers with communication tools, parenting plans, and shared-custody coordination. Phone (919) 821-9750 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

(919) 821-9750 · Multiple NC locations · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Parents as Teachers — NC — Free

Evidence-based parent education for separating and divorcing parents. Contact the office or visit in person to learn about services, eligibility, and how to begin. Bring any existing custody orders and a brief written list of issues to discuss to make your first visit or call as productive as possible. Hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm — free for qualifying women.

Statewide program · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. NC Smart Start — Free

Based in Raleigh, NC Smart Start supports North Carolina women navigating communication tools, parenting plans, and shared-custody coordination. Call (919) 829-5009 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Hours are Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(919) 829-5009 · 1300 St Mary St Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27605 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Our Family Wizard — Free

Industry-leading co-parenting app for shared calendars, messaging, expense tracking, and court-admissible records for separating and divorcing parents. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

5. TalkingParents — Free

Co-parenting communication app with secure messaging, calendar, and unalterable records for court use for separating and divorcing parents. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

6. AppClose — Free

Free co-parenting app with shared calendar, messaging, expense tracking, and parenting plan tools for separating and divorcing parents. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. 2houses — Free

Co-parenting platform for shared calendars, expense tracking, and family medical records. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. Coparenter — Free

Co-parenting communication and mediation app with on-demand expert help for separating and divorcing parents. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. Up to Parents — Free

Free online co-parenting course recommended by family courts. Helps parents focus on children's needs. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Cozi Family Organizer — Free

Free shared family calendar, lists, and reminder app — useful for co-parents coordinating schedules. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Custody X Change — Free

Software for creating parenting plans, custody schedules, and tracking visitation time for separating and divorcing parents. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for separating and divorcing parents who need vetted, plain-language information on parenting plan mediation, co-parenting education, shared calendars, and conflict resolution. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many co-parenting resources are in North Carolina?
Women's Corner tracks 11 co-parenting resources for women in North Carolina.
Are co-parenting resources in North Carolina free?
11 of the 11 listed co-parenting resources in North Carolina are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in North Carolina have co-parenting resources?
Listings span cities including Raleigh.
What are some examples of co-parenting resources in North Carolina?
Featured entries include Catholic Charities NC — Family Services, Parents as Teachers — NC, NC Smart Start, Our Family Wizard, TalkingParents.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
2 of 11 North Carolina co-parenting listings include phone numbers.
Is a parenting class required for divorce?
In most states, yes — a 4–6 hour court-approved co-parenting class (5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list. The class is gender-neutral and focuses on protecting kids from conflict.
What's mediation and do I have to do it?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party to agree on a parenting plan. Most states require at least one mediation session before contested custody hearings. It's faster, cheaper, and less traumatic than litigation. If there's domestic violence history, you can request to opt out or have separate-room mediation.
Which co-parenting app should I use?
OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are accepted as evidence in court in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and a tone-monitoring feature. If your ex is abusive or harassing, these apps create a documented record judges will read.
How do I co-parent with someone who was abusive?
Use parallel parenting instead of cooperative co-parenting — minimize contact, use a court-monitored app for all communication, exchange the child at a neutral location or police station, and stick strictly to the written parenting plan. Document everything. Many states allow supervised exchanges through Safe Exchange programs at no cost.