Nesting: An Alternative Child Custody Arrangement In Colorado

On Behalf of | Jan 11, 2023 | Child Custody & Support |

Children are often the most affected by a divorce. The changes that occur and the complications that come with them can affect their lives or perception of the world for years to come. To reduce the trauma of this upheaval, some divorcing parents choose to employ “nesting” arrangements as a form of custody that allows children to remain in their Colorado home while both parents trade off living there with them.

Understanding nesting

A nesting or bird-nesting arrangement is a type of custody plan in which the children remain in their primary residence, regardless of the parents’ living arrangements. The parents alternate between living there with the children and living elsewhere when it is not their turn. This arrangement can help to maintain consistency for the children while also providing them with a sense of safety.

Pros and cons

On the plus side, nesting can help to keep the children in their comfortable home environment while allowing them to spend time with both parents instead of having to split their time between two residences. Also, parents can enjoy the benefit of not having to pack up and move with the kids all the time.

Some potential downsides may include an inability for the parent who does not live in the primary residence during their turn to be as involved with the children’s daily life. Also, depending on your circumstances, this arrangement can be very expensive. You still have to pay for the bills and maintenance for the nest while also providing for two separate residences. However, it’s possible that the parents have friends or family to stay with during the “off” times.

Making nesting work

Cooperation is key in nesting. You and your spouse must draft a plan outlining the details, such as each parent’s turn at the house, who pays for what expenses and how you will make decisions regarding the children. You should also consider other logistics, such as establishing an agreed-upon method of communication while not in the home and setting ground rules for when both parents are living there.

Nesting can provide a great source of stability for children during a divorce if done right. It is important to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding if nesting is best for you and your family. If it is, then finding a way to make it work is key to its success.