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Protecting Your Rights In Family Matters

What is nesting?

On Behalf of | Feb 18, 2021 | Child Custody, Divorce

Even if your divorce is comparatively conflict-free, coming up with a comprehensive parenting plan is challenging. One of the most difficult aspects is figuring out your family’s new living situation if you and your ex-spouse share custody of the children. 

The most common situation is for each parent to set up an independent household and the children to move between said households, but this does not work for every family. As a result, some families are experimenting with “nesting,” which involves the children staying in one home and the parents moving in and out accordingly. 

Why would we consider this?

Nesting is a popular arrangement with families that have children who may be difficult to move. A child with special needs who uses specific medical equipment may benefit from a nesting situation as there is less chance of forgetting something vital. 

Nesting is also a good solution for older children, many of whom may protest moving constantly between households. With a nesting situation, your children can enjoy the consistency they have had since childhood until finishing high school and moving out. 

Where do the parents live?

In shorter-term nesting situations, it is not uncommon for the parent who is not in the family home to simply stay with other friends or family. If the nesting situation will last a long time, sometimes the parents will maintain a separate apartment for the off-duty parent to reside in. 

Nesting does require a high amount of cooperation and communication between the parents. You will still be mutually maintaining the family home, and potentially a separate apartment. This is not a good arrangement for parents who have poor communication patterns. 

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