Co-Parenting Schedule Calculator
Compare common parenting arrangements and see the care percentage, number of changeovers, and longest time away from each parent for each schedule.
This calculator provides estimates only. For official assessments, use these government resources:
- Services Australia — Child Support
- Family Relationships Online — free advice, mediation referrals (1800 050 321)
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
- Legal Aid — free or low-cost legal help (available in every state)
How this calculator works
Select a parenting arrangement to see a detailed breakdown including the care percentage for each parent, the number of changeovers per fortnight, the longest consecutive stretch away from each parent, and the corresponding Services Australia care band. Compare different schedules to find the one that best suits your family's needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common parenting arrangement in Australia?
The most common arrangements are week-on/week-off (50/50) and every-other-weekend with midweek contact. The best arrangement depends on the children's ages, school logistics, parents' work schedules, and the distance between homes.
What is a 5-2-2-5 schedule?
In a 5-2-2-5 arrangement, the child spends 5 nights with Parent 1, then 2 with Parent 2, then 2 with Parent 1, then 5 with Parent 2. It's a 50/50 split with shorter maximum stretches away from each parent compared to week-on/week-off.
How many changeovers is too many?
There's no fixed rule, but frequent changeovers can be unsettling for younger children. Most family consultants suggest minimising mid-week transitions for children under 5. Older children and teenagers generally handle more changeovers without difficulty.
Does the schedule affect child support?
Yes. The number of nights per fortnight determines the care percentage band, which directly affects the child support calculation. A schedule change from 4 to 5 nights could move you into a different band and change the payment amount.
Related Calculators
Care Percentage Calculator
Convert nights per fortnight into the official Services Australia care percentage and band. See how your care arrangement affects child support and Family Tax Benefit.
Child Support Estimator
Estimate child support payments using the real Services Australia formula for 2025-26. Uses the cost-of-children table, self-support amount ($28,463), and official care percentage bands.
Child Support Change Calculator
See how changes in income, care percentage, or number of children would affect your child support assessment. Compare your current and proposed scenarios.
