With divorce comes change and an upheaval of what was normal, from daily rituals down to the intricate web of connections between family members that form the foundation of their lives. For the children, this much change can be made worse if they have to move out of the family home.
When parents are going through divorce, they usually wish to keep their children’s best interest in mind, so it is natural to consider all options that will cause the least stress for the children. That is one reason why divorce nesting is becoming popular, both across the country and in Florida.
This type of arrangement isn’t for everyone, however. It is important to know what is involved and to consult with a trained mediator serving Dade County and New Port Richey to assist both sides with coming up with a parenting plan that formalizes the arrangements.
What is divorce nesting?
Divorce nesting, also called birdnesting, is a type of co-parenting arrangement in which the parents keep the family home and take turns living there with the children, who will remain at home. They may rent or purchase another living space for one parent to use when the other is staying at the house.
The parenting plan is essential for working out the schedule for each parent to be at the house, just like any traditional arrangement that works out holidays, weekends and special vacations between the parents.
What are the pros?
There are both emotional and financial benefits to this type of arrangement. For the children, it offers the best of both worlds, especially for teens and tweens who may feel socially awkward or embarrassed by the divorce. By staying in the home, the divorce is less destabilizing for them, and will allow them to weather the stress more easily. It can also soften the blow of separation for the parents, whose emotional attachments may remain strong while they continue to raise their children.
Financially, this arrangement is less expensive than traditional divorce. Emotionally, it emphasizes collaboration rather than the cut-and-dried division of marital property, which also cuts down the stress and finality of having to divide or sell shared assets.
And the cons?
The lines can get blurred in a nesting arrangement in a way that may spark more arguments than if the couple made a clean break. For some people, this arrangement does not define a new chapter that normally results from a divorce, and so would prevent them from going on with their lives.