Divorce in Minnesota is considered one of the most stressful events a family can go through. When it happens, both parents and the judge need to look after the well-being of the children first to ensure that the transition is a little easier on them. If you have been considering a “nesting” form of custody arrangement for your kids, here’s what you need to know.
What is nesting?
Also referred to as bird nesting, this is a form of living arrangement where parents decide to let the children stay in the family home after their divorce, and the parents take turns to live with their kids in the original home. You could rent a small apartment nearby or perhaps stay with a family member or a friend, and then you’ll stay with your kids when it’s your turn in the family home.
What are the pros of nesting?
Nesting is the simplest way to make life appear normal for the kids even when going through one of their most stressful life events: their parents’ separation. It helps maintain a sense of normalcy for them instead of having them bounce between two homes.
Bird nesting can also help simplify your finances when going through a divorce. You continue to pay the same bills that you used to pay in the past.
What are some cons of nesting?
Nesting can make calculating child support a little complicated given that both parents are living in the same home with the kids for a shared amount of time. The judge can have you share the expenses, which may require good and continuous communication between the parents. Nesting can’t work if one of the parents becomes difficult to communicate with.
It can also have some financial challenges. If the court decides to award the house to one parent after the nesting period is over, the other parent might be reluctant to continue making payments or contribute to repair bills. You will still share expenses like mortgage, utilities, etc., and your finances will still be entangled.
You should weigh the pros and cons of nesting before deciding if it is the best for you. Of course, this will greatly depend on your relationship and communication with your ex-partner.
