In many divorces, the couple decides to sell the family home and split the proceeds from the sale. If you go this route, you and your ex-spouse must each relocate to a new residence. Doing so, though, may take a toll on your children, as they may have to change schools, make new friends and adjust to new living arrangements.
While nesting has been popular with celebrities for years, it is becoming more common with ordinary Americans. With nesting, your children remain in the family home. Meanwhile, you and your ex-spouse move into the family residence during your scheduled parenting time while living in separate residences on non-parenting days.
Providing stability for your kids
Divorce is not always easy on kids, as they must cope with an inevitable breakup of the family. While a nesting arrangement does not mitigate all potential consequences of your divorce, you do not have to worry about uprooting your kids or shuffling them between two households.
Taking on additional expenses
If you choose nesting for your post-divorce family, you may incur additional expenses. That is, not only must you pay for your own home, but you also must likely share the costs of maintaining the family dwelling.
Negotiating a nesting agreement
Nesting may also cause some friction between your ex-spouse and you. Therefore, if you want to try it, you may want to consider negotiating a comprehensive nesting agreement. Outlining each parent’s rights and responsibilities may help you to minimize future disagreements.
Ensuring you and your ex-spouse are on the same page is often an effective way to make nesting work. Ultimately, though, whether nesting is right for your family may depend on your willingness to set conflict aside and focus on the best interests of your kids.
