So I am working with some other divorced and separated parents on building something that will work for us. We would love your opinions. Check us out at *ediitted*
Dear Ken:
Upon reviewing the front page of the website you have provided, there really isn't any functionality for which OurFamilyWizard.com or similar platforms really provides.
The one area that you do address which may be the only differentiating factor to your offering from OFW (and other similar systems) is:
One-Stop Parenting Plan
It can be a challenge getting both parents to work together on (and maintain) an effective parenting plan. Our templates help you and your ex-spouse build one as painlessly as possible. Everything from what time your child needs to go to bed, to how you agree to treat sensitive topics like religion can be suggested, negotiated and approved here. The best part? Your parenting plan will evolve as you and your child does!
Some feedback:
1. Parenting Plans are legal documents.
2. Parenting plans by definition should not include in my honest opinion details about "what time your child needs to go to bed" and/or "how you agree to treat sensitive topics like religion".
3. Even with an expert system driving the rules for which the elements of a parenting plan are governed by in accordance with the Jurisdictional Rules/Act (i.e. Family Law Rules, Children's Law Reform Act, etc). This is no small feat to make a cogent parenting plan that could be court enforceable.
4. Much of what goes into a "real" enforcable parenting plan is highly subjective. This makes overcoming the challenge of "automating" the process difficult. What Rules govern goes into a parenting plan? A quick evaluation of case law on
CanLII will quickly demonstrate the completely subjective and resulting objective Rulings.
5. The terminology (ontology) that you use in your correspondence such as "ex-spouse" has a negative connotation in general. You may want to consider having a qualified mental health worker assist in the development of the platform to normalize the vocabulary of divorce in to less conflictual terms.
6. Unless the "parenting plan" system is being reviewed by a mediator and/or arbitrator any results of the system which produces the "parenting plan" is non-binding. If you integrated and had mediators avalible to parents to discuss the matter and guide them through putting together a proper parenting plan that could eventually become an order would be more valuable. For example, virtual conferences with qualified mediators and arbitrators to guide and assist matters.
7. The vast complexity of the FLR, CLRA and jurisprudence of case law would need to be considered by both parties to the agreement. My recommendation would be to focus on an integrated system where by professionals could interact directly with the parents involved in the matter in a more "collaborative law" format. I highly recommend you read the book
Welcome to Cooperative Solutions: A better way to resolve conflicts through mediation and training in Toronto and the GTA. "Family Mediation, Arbitration and Collaborative Practice Handbook, 5th Edition" when considering the functionality and *usability* of this component. As well as possibly building the core business model for this component on
New ways for families.
8. Investigate the evolving markets in Telehealth and how clinicians are being connected to clients. You would be better off developing a solution that connects clients and professionals in support of a collaborative methodology. But, these professionals would need to be paid for their time and involvement of course.
9. If you could figure out how to merge the concepts of points #7 and #8 you could possibly be very successful and would be providing a service outside the scope of general tools already established in the market space and that have already been ordered by the courts.
For example from:
Izyuk v. Bilousov, 2011 ONSC 6451 (CanLII)
Date: 2011-11-09
Docket: F-2172/09
URL:
http://canlii.ca/t/fnr57
OUR FAMILY WIZARD
481. The Respondent proposed a creative solution to deal with communication problems between the parties: An interactive website known as Our Family Wizard. He explained that at a cost of about $100.00 per year for each parent, they can use the various functions of Our Family Wizard to exchange written communications, address timesharing, schedule medical appointments, coordinate purchases and section 7 contributions -- even exchange photographs of the child. He cited court decisions in which this computer program has been endorsed.
482. He acknowledged no communication mode can overcome mistrust and animosity. But he suggested that because Our Family Wizard maintains a permanent record of everything either party says, the format encourages child-focussed discussions, and discourages negative or destructive comments.
Finally, your site information doesn't address "accountability" as a third party service provider to both parents and the court.
Question: How would your solution allow someone apply the methodology found in this detailed guide on building a parenting plan?
http://www.albertacourts.ab.ca/familylaw/parentingplanissues.pdf
Good Luck!
Tayken
