Going through a divorce can be an incredibly difficult matter for children to navigate, as they may not understand the changes they experience. Additionally, the sudden upheaval of where they live and switching between parents’ new residences can be incredibly overwhelming. However, some families have found that a better alternative is a nesting arrangement. If you’re unsure what this entails or how to successfully implement this option, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know and the importance of working with a Long Island child custody lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Is a Nesting Arrangement, and What Are Its Benefits?
When a divorce occurs and child custody matters are decided, both parents may have concerns about the impact these matters can have on their children. Typically, the biggest concern is the disruption of moving from the family home and traveling back and forth between parents.
However, a nesting arrangement may be a way to combat this change and help the children at the center of the divorce adapt to the changes. Unlike a traditional arrangement in which each parent lives in a separate location with the children during their respective custody period, this option creates one central location where the children live, while the parents take turns in the home when it is their court-ordered time.
You should note that this is not intended to be a long-term arrangement for the families. Instead, this is generally considered an option to help ease the children into a divorce and the idea of spending time with only one parent while in a location familiar to them, as opposed to being moved back and forth.
Additionally, it’s necessary to understand that this process can be expensive, as you may find that you’re still paying the mortgage on your family home while also paying for a secondary location, like an apartment, where you reside when it’s your spouse’s turn with the children.
What Steps Should Be Implemented to Help This Process Work?
If you are interested in a nesting arrangement, you’ll find that these matters should be carefully discussed to determine how to ensure this is as successful as possible. This includes establishing clear boundaries and rules to ensure you and your spouse are on the same page.
Generally, one of the most important considerations should be how you will handle matters related to dating and overnight guests. In most instances, you agree that neither party should bring love interests into the shared space. This can help ensure that all parties feel respected. However, if you both agree that inviting new partners into the home is okay, you may want to implement rules such as meeting your ex’s new partner before they meet the children or limiting how much time they spend in the nest.
However, you should also understand that matters related to household chores and maintenance should also be covered. If these topics are not discussed and clearly outlined, the arrangement may not work if one parent feels as though they are taking on more household tasks and chores than the other when it is their time in the shared living space.
As you can see, nesting arrangements can be incredibly beneficial for all parties when implemented with considerable communication and guidelines. If you are interested in this option, it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney to help guide you through this process. At the Law Offices of Jay D. Raxenberg, our dedicated legal team can help you determine the best course of action. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
