"Bird-nesting," otherwise referred to a “nesting arrangement,” is a joint custody plan wherein the children remain in the family home while each parent alternates living there. The goal of nesting is to promote an undisturbed environment for the children and to minimize the emotional impact of divorce. Rather than being shuttled back and forth between parents, the children stay in one place, keep the same routines and remain close to their schools, friends and social activities.

Nesting works by having the parents rotate in and out of the family home while maintaining separate personal residences. This can be organized in various ways to suit the family's specific needs, such as having one parent in the home on weekdays and the other on weekends or alternating weeks. In some cases, the parties even share an apartment or other residence where they live during the time the other party enjoys parenting time with the children. 

The primary advantage of nesting is the stability it offers the children. Divorce can be a tumultuous upheaval in a child's life, causing feelings of loss and insecurity. In this economy, wherein the housing market is inflated and unaffordable, and where even small apartments or rental homes could cost $3,000 a month, nesting allows for keeping the kids where they are until there is a more permanent solution. With the family home kept as a constant, the children may be spared the full brunt of the separation and their lives can be less interrupted. Since this arrangement demands a high level of cooperation and communication, the children also benefit from a co-parenting system that involves more frequent and positive interaction between the parents.

However, nesting also comes with certain challenges. It can be financially demanding to manage three separate living spaces: the family home and two individual residences or even two residences. The expenses for the family home must be shouldered by both parents according to their resources. There are logistical challenges as well. Parents need to coordinate their schedules meticulously and to share the responsibilities of maintaining the family home. This level of coordination requires good communication and a cooperative spirit, which can be difficult to maintain if the divorce was acrimonious. 

The Law Offices of Kelli M. Martone in Haddon Heights represents clients in family law matters across Camden, Gloucester, Cape May, Atlantic and Burlington counties. We guide parents through the complexities of custody arrangements to ensure the best outcomes for all involved. Call us at 856-432-4587 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.