If you have never heard of nesting in custody discussions, now is a great time to learn more about it. Nesting is the idea that your children should stay in the marital home, and both parents should move out. Instead of moving your children back and forth between homes, they stay where they are. You and your ex-spouse both move into your own spaces on the days you don’t have custody. On the days when you do, you live in your marital home.
Nesting is an excellent choice for some parents, such as those who still get along and who want their children to be as undisturbed by the divorce as possible. Of course, it is not possible for everyone, because financially, it can be expensive to maintain two households.
What are the benefits of nesting?
Some of the benefits of nesting include:
- Not having to transport your children’s items back and forth
- Not needing to purchase duplicate items, such as duplicates of expensive medical equipment or pricey toys
- Making the scheduling easier for your children, since they don’t have to go between homes
- Giving your children more time to adapt to mom or dad not being around as often
Not all nesting arrangements are the same. Some people divide up their space within the home and remain living together to raise their children. This may work for those with mother-in-law suites, duplexes or similar arrangements. Others have their own apartments or stay with family on their noncustodial days.
This is a creative option for resolving a child custody issue. It may be something that you will want to discuss when working on your custody plan.
