During their divorce, one of the important issues that many Colorado couples need to resolve is child custody and parenting time. Since most parents want to spend some active time with their children and also make important decisions, they will often pursue a shared custody arrangement, which often leads to kids bouncing from one home to the next. However, there ia another alternative to custody known as “nesting” or “bird-nesting.”
What is nesting?
In this type of custody, the children will remain in their family home (the nest). The parents will then take turns visiting and staying with them for the amount of time agreed upon in the custody arrangement. You and your ex could both rent apartments on the side or live with your friends or family members at times when you are not with the kids.
What do you need for this system to work?
You must have clearly defined boundaries and schedules regarding your nesting arrangement. Both of you can have your own private space in the nest to access your personal items that you normally use while living there. Also, if it is not your turn to be at the nest, you must give the other parent their space and freedom to exercise their roles and authority.
You need money. You will still need to pay for utility bills, mortgage, and any other expense that comes with the family home that the kids stay in. You should also still be able to afford your own expenses in your new home.
You need cooperation, communication and respect with the other parent to see this through. You need to agree on your finances, schedules, and other details concerning your children.
Why is nesting gaining popularity?
Divorce is tough on adults, and it’s is even harder on children. However, to soften the blow, parents try to maintain the normalcy or how things were before the separation. The children will still stay at the place they grew up in, go to the same school, be around people they knew all along, etc.
On the other hand, if you don’t have enough money to sustain this kind of arrangement, nesting could be a challenge for you. However, when determining custody, put this option on the table and decide if it is the best thing you can do for your kids based on your current capabilities.