Why parents keep a custody log
When memories disagree six months later — about who had the children on a holiday weekend, whether a pickup was late, or who paid for the school trip — a dated record settles the question quietly. It is also how you notice patterns: repeated late exchanges, swaps that only go one direction, costs that are never reimbursed.
The problem with a traditional custody journal is that it is one-sided and written after the fact. CoParent's record is shared and written at the time.
What goes into the log
Every entry has a date and a type, and is visible to both parents in the family.
- Calendar: parenting time, exchanges with location, school, medical and sports events
- Attendance: each exchange marked on time, late with the number of minutes, or missed
- Swaps: who asked, the message attached, and whether it was accepted or declined
- Messages: the family thread, with pinned messages for the ones that matter
- Expenses: what was spent, who paid, the split, the receipt and when it was settled
Exporting the log
Premium lets you export the chronological list — messages, expenses, calendar, swaps and attendance — as a CSV or PDF from the Activity export screen, over a date range you choose. Previewing the timeline on screen is free; the CSV and PDF files need Premium.
Two honest limits: the export reflects what is currently shared at the time you export it, so edited or deleted items may no longer appear, and long messages are shortened in the file rather than reproduced in full.
What the log is not
It is for your own records. It is not a legal document, not a court filing, and CoParent does not give legal advice. If you are documenting custody for a legal matter, ask a qualified attorney what form of record they need. CoParent also asks both parents to use it respectfully: inventing records or using the app to harass is against the terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I log a missed exchange?
Yes. Open the exchange or custody day in the calendar, tap Mark day and choose On time, Late (with minutes) or Missed.
Can the other parent delete entries?
Family members can edit or remove activity they created. The export reflects what is currently shared, which is why it is best treated as your own record rather than an immutable archive.
Is the custody log free?
Keeping the record is free for both parents. Exporting it as CSV or PDF, and unlimited history, are part of Premium.
CoParent is a coordination tool for parents. It is not legal advice and does not replace a lawyer, mediator or court process.