Take back control of your co-parenting communication.
BestInterest filters conflict, coaches your tone, and helps you rebuild calm — one message at a time.
One of the biggest sources of friction in co-parenting isn’t the big decisions—it’s the daily logistics. “Who paid for soccer cleats?” “Was drop-off at 4:00 or 5:00?” You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune just to keep your records straight. While there are excellent premium apps available, sometimes a simple, reliable system is all you need to reduce conflict. That is why we have curated a list of the best tools for tracking expenses and schedules, including free co-parenting templates you can start using today without spending a dime.
Shared Expenses Tracking Tools
Sharing expenses for your child’s needs can be a source of tension. These apps help track, split, and manage shared financial responsibilities seamlessly.
Simple Google Docs Expense Tracker (FREE): Many parents use this free template to manage expenses with their coparent.
Splitwise: Although not specific to co-parenting, this app is a popular tool for tracking and splitting expenses, making it easy to calculate and request payments.
SupportPay: Specifically designed for managing child support payments and shared expenses, this app provides a transparent way to track who owes what and when.
Scheduling and Custody Management
Simple Google Docs Custody Trade Tracker (FREE): A tool for managing our custody trades, use this Google Doc spreadsheet.
Custody X Change: Designed for creating and managing custody schedules, this app also calculates parenting time to help with legal agreements.
Custody Log Template (FREE): Track custody events simply and in a format accepted by the courts.
Coparenting Tools & Templates
Back to School Coparenting Checklist (FREE): A todo checklist specifically for coparents on how to prepare for the coming school year.
Emergency Card for Coparents (FREE): Coparenting families need specialized templates and tools that understand two home dynamics. This free printable emergency card is perfectly suited for coparenting families.
Frequently Asked Questions: Apps & Templates
Is a Google Doc admissible in family court?
Generally, yes, provided the data is accurate. A Custody Log Spreadsheet can be powerful evidence if you maintain it consistently. However, unlike a dedicated app like BestInterest, a spreadsheet can be edited or deleted. For high-conflict cases, we recommend using a secure app with immutable (unalterable) records.
What is the best free app for tracking shared expenses?
Splitwise is an excellent free option for tracking shared costs like tuition or medical bills. It does the math for you. However, it is not designed for family law, so it lacks features like storing receipts for court. For legal purposes, a dedicated tool like SupportPay or the BestInterest Journal is safer.
How do I track custody swaps without arguing?
We recommend using a Shared Calendar (like in the BestInterest app) or a simple Custody Trade Tracker. By focusing on the schedule rather than the person, you depersonalize the interaction. Simply checking a box that a “drop-off was completed” is far less emotionally draining than sending a text.
Do both parents need to use the same app?
For shared calendar apps, usually yes. However, if you use BestInterest in Solo Mode, you can track your own custody times and expenses without your co-parent needing to log in. You can then export these reports to PDF to share with your lawyer or mediator.
Where can I find a free co-parenting plan template?
In addition to the checklists above, many local family courts provide free parenting plan templates on their websites. We recommend starting with our “Custody Log Template” to get used to tracking your days before you finalize a legal agreement