Co-Parenting After a Divorce: Is Birdnesting Right for You?

 Posted on April 14, 2023 in Divorce

For divorcing parents, deciding how to handle the allocation of parenting time and responsibilities can be one of the hardest parts of the divorce. Both parents may have their own unique ideas about what is best for their children and these ideas may not always coincide. Many parents are worried about the psychological effect of the divorce on their children. They may worry about how their children will adjust to living in two different homes or moving to a new residence. Parents may also be concerned about their ability to transport their children between the two homes while ensuring that they get to school on time, attend extracurricular activities, and enjoy time with friends and extended family members.

One possible solution to this is “birdnesting.” In this arrangement, the children stay in one home while the parents take turns living in the home with the children. This co-parenting arrangement is not possible or appropriate in every situation, but it is an option to consider.

How Does Birdnesting Work?

In a bird nesting arrangement, children live in the family home while each parent retains a separate residence. For example, the children may stay in the marital house and the parents each retain an apartment. During a parent's parenting time, they stay at the house with the children, and when they do not have parenting time, they stay at their apartment. In some cases, the parents share the second residence and take turns staying there.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Birdnesting

The primary benefit of bird nesting is that it provides children with consistency and stability. The children do not have to worry about moving between two separate residences. This can be useful in large families or situations involving children with disabilities. The children will not have to worry about which home they left their homework in or whether their favorite stuffed animal was packed when they go to one of the parent’s homes. All of their belongings will be in the main house.

The primary disadvantage of birdnesting is that it could be quite expensive to maintain multiple homes. It can also be difficult for parents to switch between living at the primary residence and their second residence. Issues such as cleaning, grocery shopping, and personal boundaries could become an issue between the parents. However, if the parents are on good terms and willing to work together, this can be an ideal solution that minimizes the adverse effects of divorce on the children.

Contact our Naperville Child Custody Lawyer

At Davi Law Group, we understand that child custody issues during divorce are rarely simple. Our Wheaton divorce attorneys provide legal advice, support, and strong representation to parents getting divorced in Illinois. Call our office at 630-657-5052 to set up a free consultation to get started.

Source:

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/birdnesting-gives-kids-one-stable-home-after-divorce-does-it-ncna935336