Settle shared kid costs without both joining an app
Co-parenting apps work when both parents sign up and log everything. If you just have a list of receipts, one parent can settle it in minutes.
| Kidtally | Co-parenting apps | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | One parent, in a browser | Both parents, each with an account |
| Data | Stays in your browser | Stored by the service |
| Extras | Just the expense maths and statements | Messaging, calendars, records |
| Price | Free: both balances, the settle-up and every flag. Pro: $7 for 7 days, $9/month or $49/year, paid by one parent — not each of you. | Often a subscription per parent |
Honest take: if you need a court-recognised communication record, use a co-parenting app. Kidtally is for settling a list you already have.
FAQ
Is my data uploaded?
No. Your files are read by JavaScript in your browser tab and never sent to us or anyone else. Expenses aren't stored, so closing the tab clears them. The currency, ratio and split can be saved in this browser if you ask; the statement name never is.
Where does the ratio come from?
Usually your parenting plan, separation agreement or support order — often each parent's share of combined income (for example $60,000 and $40,000 gives 60/40). Kidtally doesn't work out what you're required to pay; it applies the ratio you enter.
How do I write the split?
all (or blank) splits the row by your agreed ratio. Maria; Sam makes that row 50/50, and Maria:3; Sam:1 is a custom split. A single name other than the payer records a payment between you, like Sam paying Maria back.
How are reimbursements and insurance handled?
When one parent pays the other, enter a row paid by them with only the other parent in the split — it counts as a payment, not a shared cost. When insurance or a school pays something back, enter it as a negative amount on the row of the parent who got the money.
How are the cents handled?
Each share is worked out by rounding down and giving the leftover cents to the largest remainders, so shares always add up exactly to the expense and both balances net to zero.
How is this different from OurFamilyWizard?
OurFamilyWizard is a full co-parenting platform with messaging, calendars and an expense log, and its plans are priced per parent. Kidtally only does the expense maths from a list you already have, one parent can run it, and nothing is uploaded. If a court requires a specific app, use that.
What's free?
Both balances, the amount owed, every flag, 3 what-ifs and 12 expenses on screen and in print (with a footer). Pro shows every expense and every what-if and adds a statement for each parent, the Excel workbook and CSV exports.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. Kidtally does the arithmetic on the expenses and ratio you enter. Your order or agreement decides which expenses are shared.