For many married couples, deciding to divorce is a tough decision. One of the main concerns for spouses with children is how to minimize the negative impact of the divorce. Many couples hesitate to expose their children to the significant changes involved in this process. While various custody arrangments exist, nesting is a form of co-parenting that can help ease your children into the many transitions that accompany divorce. Under a nesting arrangement, children stay in the marital home while the co-parents alternate living in the house. This means that instead of constantly having the children move between homes, they can stay in a familiar and stable environment while the parents split their time between two residences. Please continue reading to learn how a nesting arrangement works in New Jersey and how our trusted Monmouth County Child Custody Attorneys can help ensure you meet your child’s best interests.
How Does a Nesting Arrangement Work?
Nesting is a custody arrangement in which the children remain in the marital home at all times, and the parents alternate spending their parenting time in the marriage home according to an agreed-upon schedule. Essentially, the “on-duty” parent stays home with the children, and the “off-duty” parent will stay somewhere else. This co-parenting arrangement is usually a temporary measure until the divorce is finalized. However, it can prove particularly beneficial as it provides a constant home and a sense of stability for the children while the marriage changes.
For this arrangement to work, co-parents must set clear house rules, including who will be responsible for household chores and paying the bills. A parenting plan is crucial to defining each parent’s parenting time in the shared home. Depending on the specific circumstances, parents may choose to alternate weeks or switch twice per week. Regardless of the chosen schedule, it’s essential to ensure that it works for all parties involved.
What Are the Benefits?
As mentioned above, divorce comes with a lot of change. Children often have a difficult time adjusting to their parents’ split. A single home can give children a better sense of stability. This living arrangement can help children maintain their routine, which can help them transition into post-divorce life. In addition, co-parents can work together to identify their strengths and modify their approach moving forward to mitigate the adverse effects of the divorce on their children. Ultimately, a nesting arrangement can be highly beneficial, but only if parents possess strong communication skills and are willing to cooperate.
Parenting arrangements are not one-size-fits-all. If you need assistance choosing the right co-parenting arrangement, please don’t hesitate to contact an adept attorney from Paone Zaleski & Murphy, who can help you determine whether nesting or another option is right for your family.
