Navigating co-parenting in the aftermath of domestic violence is one of the most difficult challenges a parent can face. As a Brooklyn Family Court attorney with years of experience representing victims of intimate partner abuse, I have seen firsthand how traditional communication methods—texts, emails, even verbal exchanges—can retraumatize survivors and escalate conflict.
In today’s digital age, technology isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. At the Gilmer Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that victims need tools that ensure safe, documented, and court-admissible communication. That’s why we often recommend tools like Our Family Wizard (OFW) in high-conflict cases, especially where domestic violence has occurred.
💻 Co-Parenting Safely: The Role of Technology in Post-DV Cases
Our Family Wizard is a secure, court-approved co-parenting platform designed to reduce direct communication between separated parents. This is especially vital for survivors of abuse who fear retaliation, harassment, or manipulation.
Unlike traditional texts or emails that can be deleted, spoofed, or fabricated, OFW offers unchangeable message threads, timestamped communication, GPS-verified check-ins, and even recorded calls. These features provide judges and attorneys with a single source of truth, greatly reducing false accusations and unnecessary litigation.
🚨 Real-Life Example: Fabricated Evidence Exposed
In one New York case highlighted during a recent CLE course, a parent created two fake OFW accounts and used them to stage abusive conversations—framing the other party. OFW’s closed system and IP tracking revealed the truth: the parent was messaging themselves. Without such technology, the false evidence might have been believed.
In Brooklyn Family Court, this kind of electronic integrity can make or break a case. At the Gilmer Law Firm, we’re well-versed in leveraging these tools to protect our clients and uphold truth.
🚫 Understanding Cyberstalking and Digital Harassment
Domestic abuse doesn’t always end with separation. Survivors may experience:
- Unwanted texts or calls at all hours
- Surveillance through apps or GPS (AirTags, iCloud, etc.)
- Fake messages designed to manipulate or intimidate
- Online reputation attacks
These are forms of cyber abuse and can legally justify modifications in custody and communication protocols. If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s important to speak with a trauma-informed family law attorney in Brooklyn.
🧾 Why Judges in Kings County Family Court Are Ordering OFW
Kings County judges increasingly order communication through OFW in the following situations:
- Documenting parenting exchanges or missed visitation
- Controlling abusive language or tone via OFW’s “ToneMeter”
- Monitoring financial requests and expense sharing
- Allowing parents to share documents (like medical records) without direct contact
- Ensuring compliance with court orders in high-conflict cases
⚖️ Your Right to Legal Protection and Secure Communication
At Gilmer Law Firm, PLLC, we believe no survivor should have to co-parent in fear. If you are experiencing harassment, intimidation, or post-separation abuse, you may be eligible for a Family Court order of protection, a modification of your custody order, or a requirement that all communication be monitored through a secure platform
