When two parents share custody of their children after a divorce, they typically have custody at different times. Each parent has their own home or apartment, and they have a custody schedule. The children simply move from one residence to the other in accordance with the schedule.
But there are some problems with this system, including potential stress on the children. They may not enjoy having to move so often, they may feel like they’re never really settled into either home, and they may even be frustrated to have to live in a different home than the one that they lived in during the marriage.
How nesting works
Nesting is a potential child custody solution that you may want to consider. It is also sometimes called bird nesting.
The way that works is fairly simple. The parents decide to keep one home, often the same one that they owned when they were married. The children never have to leave this home, and they get to live in it exactly as they did before. This gives them stability and means that their daily lives don’t feel like they have changed all that much.
The parents still have to share custody, of course, so they have to create a schedule for themselves. But instead of moving the children on the schedule, the parents simply move in and out of the house. The parent whose turn it is to have custody will live in the home, then he or she will trade places with the other parent at the proper time.
This can be more difficult for parents, as they still see each other a lot and share spaces – even if not at the same time. But, for parents who are on relatively good terms, it may be a way for them to put the children first and give them a smoother transition.
Is it right for you?
If you’re interested in nesting and all of your other child custody options, it’s important begging considering your legal rights and the steps you need to take to get the right outcome from that divorce.
