TalkingParents ended its free plan: what are your options?
Updated October 11, 2026 · General information, not legal advice
TalkingParents' own FAQ says that as of March 30, 2026 you need a paid subscription to use the app. Each parent pays, so two parents pay from $154 a year on its cheapest yearly plan. You can apply to TalkingParents for a fee waiver, stay and pay, or move to another app. Tandem covers both parents with one subscription for $119.88 to $203.88 a year.
What changed
TalkingParents used to offer a free plan with its core tools. Its FAQ now answers “Can I use TalkingParents for free?” by saying a paid subscription is needed as of March 30, 2026. Its plans are Essentials, Enhanced and Ultimate. $77, $176 or $352 a year per parent on annual plans (Essentials, Enhanced, Ultimate), or $7, $16 or $32 a month. In-app payments carry a 4%, 3% or 2% fee by plan.
Your options
- Ask for a fee waiver. TalkingParents says you may qualify if you're facing financial hardship or are a survivor of domestic violence.
- Stay and pay. Remember your co-parent pays separately too, so check the total for both of you.
- Move to another app. AppClose charges each parent ($83.88 a year per parent on the web ($143.76 for two years prepaid), or $7.99 a month on the web and $8.99 a month in the app). Tandem is one price for the family, and offers its own fee waiver for financial hardship and survivors of domestic violence.
Before you switch
- Check whether a court order or parenting coordinator requires a specific app. If it does, ask your lawyer or coordinator before moving.
- Export your TalkingParents record first and keep the file. Your old messages stay your evidence.
- Agree the move with your co-parent in writing, in the old app, so there's a record of when you switched.
Switching? See the switching offer
Questions
Is TalkingParents still free?
No. Its FAQ says a paid subscription is needed as of March 30, 2026. Each plan has a 30-day free trial, and fee waivers are available for hardship or domestic violence.
Can I bring my old messages into Tandem?
You can import WhatsApp chats and email into Tandem's record and upload exported files to the vault. Keep the original export from your old app as well.
Do both parents have to pay for Tandem?
No. One subscription covers both parents.
One subscription covers both parents. Try Tandem free for 30 days, no card needed.
Sources: TalkingParents FAQs: "Can I use TalkingParents for free?" (checked October 11, 2026); TalkingParents pricing; AppClose help centre: subscription cost and "Your subscription applies only to your account"; Tandem fee waiver. Laws and official guidance change; check the source and speak to a lawyer about your situation.