High conflict co-parent

[Itsaharddlife]

Ex and I have been separated for 5 years. Coparent a small boy. Relationship ended very badly and we’ve struggled maintaining civil communication regarding sons visits etc. so high conflict situation. Concern today is that the app we communicate through is no longer going to be available for free and I can’t afford to pay a monthly subscription. I’ve requested we exchange emails which ex has refused as he says won’t share personal information so either pay a subscription or maintain contact via solicitors. If I can’t afford a £10 monthly fee how will I afford solicitor fees. Ive suggested he create a new email address solely for the purpose of communication around contact and that way everything is recorded

am I being unreasonable to ask this? Everything with him has to be an argument I’m just exhausted dealing with him. I dread messaging him for anything regarding son’s care as I know it will be met with a defensive attitude. I feel as if he struggles to put aside his dislike of me, in order to make what I consider to be a reasonable adjustment. Am I wrong?

Are there no other apps that can help with this? If you google free coparenting apps a few come up that appear not to need a subscription. Can you pay the fee out of any child maintenance if not?

No you're not being unreasonable. Of course he can create a separate e-mail address as you suggest. Or facebook messsnger is free but I don't think that's very private.

We have a court order to help maintain contact due previous conflict. So the idea is to have a platform where things can be recorded/saved.
I did a chat gpt search and came up with apps that require you to share mobile numbers. I think it’s also suggested an app called signal but a quick search on that tells me that messages can “disappear” if settings are adjusted.
I receive very little child maintenance from him as it is. In all honesty it’s a £10 subscription a month and it won’t break the bank but I have a new home and bills and childcare are all so expensive that I just make ends meet so even £10 a month will hurt. I just wish he’d made things easier for me and agreed to emails

What about 2houses? He subscribes, you pay him back £8,25 bimonthly?

https://www.2houses.com/en/pricing

I feel for you op as my ex is very very similar, communication is very difficult with my ex and the majority of the time he completely ignors any messages I send regarding the dc (i just use regular text messages) it can be very frustrating when i get no response. He likes to make life incredibly difficult for me and yes most things have to be an argument. i just want us to be able to get along and co-parent amicably like I see others doing with their exes.Im finding his behaviour to be incredibly immature for a 50 year old man.
Sounds like your ex is also just being immature and awkward by not setting the new email up and seems like his hatred for you outweighs than the love and concern for his dc, as what decent father wouldn't want to be contactable if any emergencies arise regarding the dc.