Shared Expenses Splitter
Split shared child-related expenses fairly between separated parents based on income. Cover school fees, medical costs, activities, childcare, and more.
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
Enter both parents' incomes and all shared child-related expenses. The calculator totals the expenses and splits them according to your chosen method — proportional to income, straight 50-50, or a custom percentage. The result shows each parent's annual and monthly share for every expense category, plus the total.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should shared expenses be split 50-50 or by income?
There's no single rule. Many families split proportionally to income so the higher earner covers a larger share, which is generally considered fairer. Others agree on 50-50 for simplicity. The best approach is whatever you can both agree on — this calculator lets you compare both.
Are these expenses separate from child support?
Yes. Child support covers the basic cost of raising children. Shared expenses like private school fees, orthodontics, and sporting activities are typically negotiated separately between parents, often documented in a parenting plan or consent order.
What if one parent won't pay their share?
If expenses are included in consent orders or a binding financial agreement, they're legally enforceable. If they're informal arrangements, you may need to apply to the court or negotiate through mediation. Services Australia can also include certain expenses in a child support agreement.
Related Calculators
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.
Two-Household Budget Calculator
Compare your current combined household costs with the projected cost of running two separate homes after separation. See the real budget gap.
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.
