Question 1

What is CommonGround?

Accepted Answer

CommonGround is a co-parenting platform that helps separated parents communicate effectively, manage custody schedules, track expenses, and create agreements. Our AI assistant ARIA supports peaceful communication by suggesting calmer ways to express yourself.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Sign up for a free account at find-commonground.com/register. Once registered, you can invite your co-parent to join. No credit card is required for the free tier.

Question 3

Do both parents need to sign up?

Accepted Answer

CommonGround works best when both parents are on the platform. Your co-parent needs an account to receive messages, view shared calendars, and approve agreements. You can start using many features solo while waiting for them to join.

Question 4

What if my co-parent won't join?

Accepted Answer

You can still use the calendar, expense tracking, agreement builder, and court documentation on your own. Everything syncs automatically when they join later. Many parents find that demonstrating the platform's benefits helps convince the other parent.

Question 5

How do I invite my co-parent?

Accepted Answer

From your dashboard, click "Invite Co-Parent." CommonGround sends a secure invitation link via email. Your co-parent creates their own separate account — they never see your login credentials or private activity.

Question 6

Can I use CommonGround on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes! CommonGround works in any mobile browser. Native iOS and Android apps are coming soon. The web app is fully responsive and optimized for mobile use.

Question 7

What is ARIA?

Accepted Answer

ARIA (AI Relationship Intelligence Assistant) analyzes messages before they're sent. If ARIA detects language that could be misread or escalate tension, she suggests calmer alternatives while preserving your intended meaning. Think of her as a supportive coach for every message.

Question 8

How does ARIA analyze messages?

Accepted Answer

ARIA uses a 3-tier system: quick pattern matching for common issues, AI-powered analysis for nuanced understanding, and a fallback system for reliability. Analysis happens in under one second as you compose your message.

Question 9

Does ARIA read all my messages?

Accepted Answer

ARIA only analyzes messages within CommonGround, not your other communications. Analysis happens in real-time when you compose a message. Your drafts and ARIA's suggestions are never shared with your co-parent.

Question 10

Can I turn ARIA off?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can disable ARIA suggestions in your settings. Communication metrics like response times will still be tracked for compliance purposes.

Question 11

Will my co-parent see my original message?

Accepted Answer

No. If you accept an ARIA suggestion, only the revised message is sent. Your original wording is never shared. Your co-parent sees the final message you chose to send.

Question 12

Does ARIA shield me from hostile messages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ARIA can review incoming messages and summarize hostile content so you get the important information without the emotional impact. This helps you respond calmly instead of reactively.

Question 13

Does ARIA work for incoming messages too?

Accepted Answer

ARIA analyzes messages you receive and can flag concerning patterns. If an incoming message contains hostility, ARIA can provide a neutral summary so you can process the logistics without the emotional weight.

Question 14

How does the shared calendar work?

Accepted Answer

The shared calendar shows custody schedules, events, and exchanges. Both parents see the same calendar with custody time color-coded. Changes sync in real-time so there's never confusion about who has the kids when.

Question 15

Can I set up recurring schedules?

Accepted Answer

Yes! With the Plus plan ($17.99/mo), you can automate weekly or biweekly custody patterns, holiday rotation, and recurring events. The calendar fills in automatically so you don't have to enter each week manually.

Question 16

What is exchange check-in?

Accepted Answer

Exchange check-in records when custody transfers happen. You can check in manually or use GPS verification with Silent Handoff. This creates documented, timestamped records for compliance tracking.

Question 17

What is Silent Handoff?

Accepted Answer

Silent Handoff is GPS-verified custody exchange. When you arrive at the exchange location, the app confirms your arrival via geofence. You scan a QR code to confirm the transfer. Zero in-person interaction needed — the app handles all documentation.

Question 18

How is compliance tracked?

Accepted Answer

CommonGround tracks on-time exchanges, schedule adherence, and grace period usage. Each parent has a compliance score showing their on-time percentage. These metrics can be included in court exports.

Question 19

What if I need to change the schedule?

Accepted Answer

Use Quick Accords to propose a one-time schedule modification. Your co-parent reviews and approves or declines. The change and response are documented for your records.

Question 20

How does ClearFund expense tracking work?

Accepted Answer

Log any child-related expense with a description, amount, and category. Upload a receipt photo or PDF. CommonGround calculates each parent's share based on your agreed split percentages.

Question 21

Can I upload receipts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attach photos or PDFs of receipts to any expense. This documentation is stored securely and can be included in court exports.

Question 22

How are expenses split?

Accepted Answer

Split percentages are defined in your custody agreement (e.g., 50/50 or 60/40). CommonGround automatically calculates each parent's share. You can set different split ratios for different expense categories.

Question 23

How do I request reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

When you log an expense, your co-parent receives a notification to review it. They can approve, question, or dispute the expense. Once approved, payments can be tracked through the platform.

Question 24

Can I track child support payments?

Accepted Answer

Yes — CommonGround tracks child support, it doesn’t process it. You pay through your state’s official State Disbursement Unit (SDU), then log the payment in CommonGround so both parents and the court see the record. Other obligations like medical copays and education expenses can be funded through the platform with a virtual card.

Question 25

What is KidSpace?

Accepted Answer

KidSpace is a safe, monitored space for children ages 3-12 to connect with their other parent. It includes video calls, shared reading, watching movies together, and cooperative games — all with ARIA safety monitoring.

Question 26

Is KidSpace safe for my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ARIA monitors all KidSpace activity for inappropriate content. Parents approve every contact in the child's circle. You can set calling hours and end calls instantly. All activity is logged.

Question 27

What activities are available?

Accepted Answer

Read Together (shared bedtime stories with visual books), Watch Together (age-appropriate movies and shows), Play Together (cooperative games like puzzles and tic-tac-toe), and video/voice calls.

Question 28

What is My Circle?

Accepted Answer

My Circle lets parents add trusted contacts — like grandparents, aunts, or uncles — who can connect with the child through KidSpace. Plus plan includes 1 contact, Complete plan includes 3.

Question 29

Which plans include KidSpace?

Accepted Answer

KidSpace is available on Plus ($17.99/mo) and Complete ($34.99/mo) plans. The Complete plan includes full KidSpace with video calls, messaging, all activities, and 3 My Circle contacts.

Question 30

Are CommonGround records court-admissible?

Accepted Answer

CommonGround exports include SHA-256 integrity verification — a digital fingerprint that proves records haven't been altered. Our records are timestamped and include chain of custody documentation. Accepted in courts across all 50 states, though always discuss specifics with your attorney.

Question 31

What can I export for court?

Accepted Answer

Five export types: Full Case Package (everything), Communication Log (messages with ARIA interventions), Custody Schedule Report (exchanges and compliance), Financial Summary (ClearFund transactions), and ARIA Assessment (good-faith scoring). All verified with SHA-256.

Question 32

Can my attorney access my case?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Grant time-limited, read-only access to attorneys, GALs, mediators, and evaluators. They see case timelines, compliance metrics, and can generate their own reports. All professional activity is logged.

Question 33

Can I use CommonGround if there's a restraining order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CommonGround can serve as the court-ordered communication channel. Messages are documented, timestamped, and ARIA ensures all communication stays appropriate and focused on the children. Many courts specifically recommend structured communication platforms in these situations.

Question 34

What is SHA-256 verification?

Accepted Answer

SHA-256 creates a unique digital fingerprint of each record. If even one character of the document is changed after creation, the verification fails — proving the record hasn't been tampered with. This is the same technology used in banking and government systems.

Question 35

How much does CommonGround cost?

Accepted Answer

CommonGround offers three plans: Web Starter (free forever — includes ARIA messaging, shared calendar, and expense tracking), Plus ($17.99/month or $199.99/year — adds automated schedules, KidSpace, Quick Accords, and PDF exports), and Complete ($34.99/month or $349.99/year — adds Silent Handoff GPS, custody analytics, court-ready exports, and priority support).

Question 36

Do both parents need to pay?

Accepted Answer

Each parent manages their own subscription independently. Both can use the free tier, or each can upgrade separately. You don't need matching plans to communicate — a parent on the free plan can message a parent on Complete.

Question 37

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

The Web Starter plan is free forever with no credit card required. For paid plans, you can upgrade and downgrade at any time with no long-term commitment.

Question 38

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. No contracts or commitments. Cancel from your account settings and your plan stays active until the end of your billing period. No cancellation fees.

Question 39

Do you offer hardship pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We believe every family deserves access to better co-parenting tools regardless of financial situation. Contact support@find-commonground.com to discuss hardship options — we review each case individually.

Question 40

Is there a discount for annual billing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Annual billing saves you money: Plus is $199.99/year (saves ~$16 vs monthly) and Complete is $349.99/year (saves ~$70 vs monthly).

Question 41

Is my data secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use bank-level encryption (AES-256 at rest, TLS 1.3 in transit), role-based access controls, and comprehensive audit logging. Your data is stored on encrypted servers with redundant backups.

Question 42

What can my co-parent see?

Accepted Answer

Your co-parent can see: sent messages, the shared calendar, approved agreements, expenses they're part of, and exchange logs. They cannot see: your drafts, ARIA suggestions, your original message before rewrites, your private notes, or your login activity.

Question 43

Do you sell my data?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. We never sell, share, or use your data for advertising. Your family's information is never used for AI training or shared with third parties. Period.

Question 44

Can I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Request account deletion from your settings. Your data will be removed within 90 days, except where legally required (e.g., active court orders referencing your records).

Question 45

What happens if there's a data breach?

Accepted Answer

We follow industry-standard incident response procedures. In the unlikely event of a breach, we will notify affected users within 72 hours, explain what happened, and provide steps to protect your accounts.

Question 46

Can I export all my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request a full data export from your account settings at any time. We support GDPR and CCPA data portability requests.

Question 47

Are ARIA suggestions private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your drafts, ARIA's analysis, and suggested rewrites are completely private. Only the final message you choose to send is visible to your co-parent. If you accept a suggestion, your original wording is never shared.

Question 48

How do professionals access client cases?

Accepted Answer

Parents invite professionals by email. Once both parents consent (configurable), the professional gets scoped, read-only access to the case. All professional activity is logged in the audit trail.

Question 49

Is the professional portal free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The professional portal is free for all attorneys, mediators, GALs, evaluators, therapists, and paralegals. Clients choose and manage their own subscription plans.

Question 50

What reports can professionals generate?

Accepted Answer

Five report types: Full Compliance Report, Communication Analysis (ARIA intervention history), Exchange Compliance (on-time rates, GPS data), Financial Compliance (payment tracking), and ARIA Assessment (good-faith scoring per parent).

Question 51

What is the AI-assisted intake?

Accepted Answer

Professionals can send a link to prospective clients. The AI conducts a structured intake interview, automatically extracting key information (parties, children, custody preferences, finances). The professional reviews the summary and can convert it to a full case with one click.

Question 52

Can I manage a team or firm?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Create a firm profile, invite team members, and assign roles (attorney, paralegal, intake coordinator, administrator). Each team member gets appropriate access to assigned cases.

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