Welcome to ParallelPath
ParallelPath is a free, open-source, self-hosted co-parenting platform. It gives separated parents one calm, organised place to communicate and plan - with a record that can't be quietly changed, and with every piece of family content encrypted on a server you control.
Beta software. ParallelPath is under active development and provided as-is. Please read the disclaimer before relying on it for anything important.
The home dashboard: this week's parenting time, quick actions and anything waiting for you.
What you can do
| Area | What it does |
|---|---|
| Messages | Threaded messages and live chat. Timestamped, with "first viewed" read receipts. Messages can never be edited or deleted - you can add an amendment or retraction with a reason, and the original stays visible. |
| Tone Check | Optional help that flags hostile, blaming or pressuring wording before you send, and suggests a calmer version. |
| Calendar | Shared events, repeating events, colour-coded parenting time, schedule templates (2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, alternating weeks, custom), swap/trade requests, check-ins and a private calendar feed for your phone. |
| Documents | A Windows-Explorer-style file manager with folders, views, drag and drop, versions, recycle bin and a full access log on every file. Shared and private spaces. |
| Expenses | Log costs, split them, request reimbursement, approve or dispute, record and confirm payments. |
| Info bank | Key details for each child - doctor, school, allergies, sizes, documents - with full edit history. |
| Journal | Private notes, optionally shared with professionals or the other parent. |
| Calls | Browser video and voice calls on phones, tablets and computers. Logged, optionally recorded with both people's consent. |
| Reports | Court-ready PDF, CSV and JSON reports of everything, each with a verifiable fingerprint. |
| Family & access | Invite the other parent, family members, children and professionals (mediators, solicitors, guardians) with read-only, time-limited access. Mute or block people. |
Security tested
Every release is checked with an automated attack suite covering the OWASP Top 10, static code analysis and a dependency vulnerability audit - and the results, findings and fixes are published in full: Security testing report. How data is protected is explained in Security.
Where to start
- Parents: read the User guide.
- Running the server: see Installation (or Docker) and the Admin guide.
- How your data is protected: Security and Privacy.
- Developers: the Developer guide and the full source code running on this server.
Install it as an app
ParallelPath works in any modern browser and can be installed like an app:
- Android / Chrome / Edge (phone or computer): use the Install app button at the top of the page, or your browser menu's Install option.
- iPhone / iPad (Safari): tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
Nothing private is stored on your device - the app always loads your family's information fresh from the server.
ParallelPath is built by DarkCipher0x at DarkCipher Systems and released under the GNU AGPL-3.0 licence.