AppClose vs OurFamilyWizard vs ParentDocket (2026 Price & Court Comparison)
Updated October 17, 2026 · Reviewed by the ParentDocket Editorial Team · Educational information, not legal advice. Courts decide admissibility.
For years, the debate between AppClose vs. OurFamilyWizard came down to one trade-off: AppClose was free, while OurFamilyWizard was the expensive ($240–$400+/yr for two parents) court standard.
In January 2026, that trade-off changed completely when AppClose eliminated its free tier and moved to a paid per-parent subscription model ($4.99 to $8.99 per parent per month). Today, parents comparing AppClose and OurFamilyWizard are looking closely at a third option — ParentDocket — which includes both parents under a single $9.99/month ($99.99/year) subscription.
Head-to-Head Comparison: AppClose vs. OurFamilyWizard vs. ParentDocket (2026)
| Category | AppClose (2026) | OurFamilyWizard | ParentDocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is there a free tier? | No (discontinued Jan 2026) | No | 7-day free trial; 2nd parent is always 100% free |
| Who pays? | Each parent pays separately ($4.99–$8.99/mo each) | Each parent pays separately (~$119–$204/yr each) | One subscription ($9.99/mo or $99.99/yr) covers BOTH parents |
| 2-Parent Annual Cost | ~$120 – $215 / yr combined | ~$238 – $408 / yr combined | $99.99 / yr combined |
| Tamper-Evident Proof | App-level message logs | App-level unalterable logs | SHA-256 hash chain + PostgreSQL append-only lock + per-message auth codes |
| Tone Check AI | Limited | ToneMeter (often higher tier) | Included standard on all messages |
| Custody Schedule Setup | Manual templates | Manual wizard | AI Court-Order Parser (paste decree text → schedule) + templates |
| GPS Exchange Check-Ins | Check-in feature | Check-in feature | GPS-verified check-ins + Private Journal with photo hashing |
Where AppClose frustrates parents in 2026
- The surprise paywall for both parents: Families who chose AppClose specifically because it was free were forced onto per-parent paid subscriptions in early 2026.
- Export formatting for court: Family law paralegals frequently note that raw exports from consumer-style apps can require extra formatting to establish a clear chain of custody, whereas ParentDocket generates a formal Certification Cover Sheet, per-message auth codes, and a SHA-256 hash verification summary on every PDF.
Where OurFamilyWizard frustrates parents in 2026
- Double billing ($240–$400+/year): Charging two separated households $120–$200 each per year for messaging and a shared calendar is hard to justify when modern cryptographic tools cost a fraction of that.
- Co-parent refusal: If your ex refuses to pay their $150 renewal fee, you are stuck either paying for two separate OFW accounts yourself or losing your communication channel.
Why ParentDocket wins the 3-way comparison
ParentDocket combines the court-grade evidentiary rigor of OurFamilyWizard with a fairer pricing model than AppClose: one $9.99/mo (or $99.99/yr) subscription covers your entire family. You invite your co-parent via direct email or a copy-paste signup link you can text them, and they join at zero cost.
SHA-256 sealed messaging, database-enforced append-only history, certified PDF exports with per-message authentication codes, AI court-order custody calendar parser, and shared expense tracking. 7-day free trial, then $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr — your co-parent joins free via your direct signup link.
Start 7-day free trial → iOS App Store Google PlayFrequently asked questions
Is AppClose still free in 2026?
No. AppClose discontinued its free plan in January 2026 and now requires a paid subscription per parent ($4.99 to $8.99/month each).
Which is better for court: AppClose, OurFamilyWizard, or ParentDocket?
Both OurFamilyWizard and ParentDocket provide formal court-ready PDF exports, while ParentDocket goes further by linking every message into a verifiable SHA-256 cryptographic hash chain and covering both parents under a single $9.99/month ($99.99/year) subscription.
Can I import my existing parenting plan into ParentDocket?
Yes. You can paste the text of your custody order into ParentDocket's AI Custody Order Parser to automatically generate your repeating schedule and holiday overrides, and store your signed PDF decree in the Document Vault.