Co-parenting guides

Plain-language guides for co-parents on tracking shared expenses, proving payments, keeping court-ready records, and handling taxes. SharedAnchor organizes records; it is not legal advice.

Choosing an App

A DComply Alternative for Co-Parenting Expenses

DComply is a lean, low-cost expense tracker for co-parents. Here is how it compares with an alternative if you also want verifiable records and a calendar.

A TalkingParents Alternative for Expense Tracking

TalkingParents is built for documented communication, not detailed expenses. Here is how to pair it with, or choose, a tool focused on shared-cost tracking.

An OurFamilyWizard Alternative for Expenses

OurFamilyWizard typically bills each parent separately and bundles a full suite. Here is why co-parents look elsewhere and what an alternative needs.

AppClose vs OurFamilyWizard (2026): Cost and Features Compared

AppClose is no longer free in 2026, and both apps now bill each parent. Side-by-side table of cost, messaging, calendar, expenses, and court records.

AppClose Went Paid in 2026: Expense Alternatives

AppClose moved from free to paid in 2026. Here is how to judge an alternative on price model, features, and the record it keeps of shared child expenses.

Choosing a Co-Parenting App When You Get Along Fine

Most co-parenting app reviews assume a contested case. If you and your co-parent communicate well and only money is messy, you are shopping for something else.

Co-Parenting Expense Apps: How to Choose

Compare OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, TalkingParents, DComply, and CoParentSplit on shared expenses - by the problem you have, not brand recognition.

CoParentSplit vs SharedAnchor: Co-Parenting Expense Apps

CoParentSplit and SharedAnchor are both low-cost, per-pair expense tools for co-parents. Here is an honest look at how they differ so you can choose.

How Co-Parenting Apps Price in 2026 (Compared)

How co-parenting apps price in 2026: per-parent vs per-pair across OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, and TalkingParents, and what that does to your total.

OurFamilyWizard Cost in 2026: Every Plan, Per Parent

OurFamilyWizard costs $110 to $299.88 a year per parent in 2026, and both parents pay. See every plan and the real household total before you commit.

Court and Records

How to Make Your Child-Expense Records Court-Admissible

Spreadsheets and screenshots are easy to challenge in a custody dispute. Here is what makes a child-expense record credible enough to stand up to scrutiny, and how a verifiable audit trail helps.

What Counts as Proof of Payment in a Child Support or Custody Case

If you need to show you paid your share, some records hold up and some fall apart. Here is what counts as proof of payment and how to keep it.

Custody and Calendar

How to Share a Custody Calendar on iPhone

How to share a calendar on iPhone the built-in way, and why a plain shared calendar breaks down once custody, swaps, and shared expenses are involved.

Parallel Parenting: How It Works and How to Keep Money Out of It

Parallel parenting lets high-conflict parents raise kids with minimal contact. How it differs from co-parenting, when it fits, and how to run schedules and shared costs.

The 2-2-3 Custody Schedule: How It Works, With Examples

The 2-2-3 custody schedule splits time 50/50 in short two- and three-day blocks on a two-week cycle. Here is how it works, with an example and trade-offs.

The 3-4-4-3 Custody Schedule: How It Works, With Examples

The 3-4-4-3 custody schedule splits time 50/50 in blocks of three and four nights on a two-week cycle. Here is how it works, with an example and trade-offs.

The 5-2-2-5 Custody Schedule: How It Works, With Examples

The 5-2-2-5 custody schedule gives each parent the same two weekdays every week and alternates the weekend. Here is how the 5-2-2-5 parenting schedule works.

The 50/50 Custody Schedule: Every Option Compared

A 50/50 custody schedule can follow several rotations. Compare 2-2-3, 5-2-2-5, 3-4-4-3, and week-on-week-off by exchanges, stretch length, and fit.

The 60/40 Custody Schedule: How It Works, With Examples

A 60/40 custody schedule gives one parent about 219 nights a year and the other about 146. Here are the rotations that fit, with the night counts for each.

Getting Started

A Co-Parenting Expense Spreadsheet That Actually Holds Up

How to build a shared child-expense spreadsheet: the columns that matter, the running-balance formula, and the four points where a spreadsheet stops working.

Co-Parenting Shared Expenses Checklist: Free Printable PDF

Use this co-parenting shared expenses checklist to decide what to split, set simple rules, and download a free printable PDF.

How to Set Up a Co-Parenting Expense Agreement

Most co-parenting money fights come from unsettled rules, not bad intentions. Here is what to decide up front so shared expenses run smoothly.

Parenting Plan Template: Free Printable PDF

A free, printable parenting plan template covering schedule, holidays, exchanges, decisions, communication and shared expenses. Fill it in together or compare drafts.

Payments and Proof

How to Split and Track Uninsured Medical Bills With Your Co-Parent

Uninsured medical costs are the most-disputed shared expense for co-parents. Here is how to split them fairly and keep a record that holds up later.

Is Venmo Enough Proof You Paid Your Co-Parent?

Venmo works for sending money, but a screenshot is weak proof in a co-parenting dispute. Here is what holds up better and how to keep a payment record you can actually rely on.

Splitting Kids' Expenses: A Cleaner Way Than a Shared Spreadsheet

Shared spreadsheets break down fast for co-parents: edits, disputes, and no clear record of who confirmed what. Here is a cleaner reimbursement loop that keeps both parents on the same page.

What to Do When Your Co-Parent Won't Pay You Back for Shared Expenses

When a co-parent stops reimbursing their share of kids' costs, the fix is a clear record, not a fight. Here is a calm, documented way to ask and follow up.

Taxes

How to Track Shared Child Expenses for Taxes (Divorced Parents)

Claiming a dependent, splitting medical costs, or documenting support means keeping records the IRS and your co-parent both accept. Here is a simple, year-round way to track shared child expenses for tax time.

County-specific guides

Child support is set by state law, and where you file is set locally. These guides explain how your state calculates support, how shared costs are split and reimbursed, and where cases are filed.