What Are the Pros and Cons of Bird Nest Parenting After a Divorce?

If you are considering creating a nesting plan following your divorce, it is vital to weigh the pros and cons of bird nest parenting. While many divorcing parents want to keep their children in the family home after a divorce, doing so may or may not be the best arrangement in your particular situation.

It is advisable to consult with an Orlando family law attorney to discuss the potential legal, financial, and emotional aspects of a bird nest parenting arrangement after a divorce.

What is Bird Nest Parenting?

Bird nest parenting, commonly referred to as a nesting plan, is a type of custody arrangement where the parents keep the family home and their children reside in that home without moving anywhere.

The parents also rent an apartment or house (or they could purchase one if they can afford it) where they will live when it is not their parenting time. Here’s how it works:

It is the mother’s time to live with the kids, so she moves into the family home. Meanwhile, the father lives in the rented apartment until it is his turn to have parenting time with the children.

When the mother’s parenting time ends, she moves into the rented apartment while the father moves into the marital house to live with the kids.

The Pros and Cons of Bird Nest Parenting After a Divorce

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s discuss the pros and cons of bird nest parenting.

The Pros

1. No need for custody exchanges. For many parents, especially those who do not get along after a divorce, a custody exchange is one of the most challenging parts of being co-parents. Since your children live in the marital home the entire time, bird nest parenting eliminates the need for custody exchanges.
2. Transportation arrangements. Since there is no need for custody exchanges, there is also no need to transport the children from your house to your former spouse’s house.
3. Fewer expenses. Since both parents do not need to purchase a new property and can split the cost of a rented apartment following a divorce, bird nest parenting can help you reduce housing costs.
4. Less stress for the kids. This one is usually the most significant advantage of bird nesting. Since the children do not need to move to a new place, bird nest parenting maintains stability and normalcy for children.

The Cons

1. Potential for conflicts. If you and your ex-spouse do not get along, there is a potential for arguments and conflicts when you have to share the family home and the rented apartment (even though you do not live together).
2. Confusing child support. Technically, both you and your former spouse still live with the kids following a divorce, which is why it can get complicated when determining who should pay child support.
3. Emotional turmoil. If both parents continue to share the marital home following a divorce, they may not be able to get a much-needed fresh start.
4. Privacy concerns. If you and your ex-spouse share a rented apartment for your bird nest parenting arrangement, the lack of privacy may become an issue.

If you are considering a nesting plan after a divorce, speak with an experienced attorney to help you understand your rights and options. Contact our Orlando child custody lawyer Steve W. Marsee to discuss your situation. Call 407-521-7171 for a consultation.