Have You Considered a "Nesting Plan" In Your Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on August 15, 2019 in Child Custody

Starting a new life after divorce can be tough for everyone, but for children, the adjustment can be especially challenging. Kids are accustomed to having both parents constantly in their lives and any change can be difficult. They thrive off of stability and permanency, which is why co-parenting arrangements can sometimes be disruptive to children. One alternative solution to the traditional co-parenting structure is called a “nesting” plan. This type of plan does not work for every family situation, but it is an option worth considering.

What is a Nesting Plan?

A nesting plan is a type of alternative co-parenting arrangement in which the children remain in the family home and the parents take turns living in the home with them. This type of arrangement allows children to have minimal disruptions in their everyday lives and continue to live under the same roof at all times. Rather than requiring the children to pack up and move between two households, the parents take on that burden for the benefit of their children. 

Considerations for Nesting Plans

As with anything, there are pros and cons to a nesting plan. Many families believe this alternative arrangement is beneficial because it takes a more child-centered approach to co-parenting. The children remain in the family home longer and continue to see both parents within that home, just not at the same time. Nesting plans are typically temporary, but they provide a secure way for children to transition into life with two unmarried parents.

Nesting plans only work if the parents are cooperative and civil with one another. If you have a highly contentious relationship after divorce, a nesting plan may not work for you. Likewise, a nesting plan can put a lot of strain on the parents, especially if the parents choose to live in the same alternative residence when they are not living at the family home. Not only will they have to get along, but moving on from one another may be more challenging if they still see each other a lot. Starting new relationships after the divorce can be awkward if parents share the same secondary residence.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Lawyer 

There are many different reasons why you, as a parent, would want to consider an alternative to the traditional co-parenting agreement. If you think that a nesting plan could be right for your family, you should contact a Wheaton, IL parenting responsibilities attorney to discuss your options. At the Goostree Law Group, we understand how important it is for you to minimize the impact of your divorce on your children. We will work with you to come up with a parenting arrangement and schedule to fit everyone’s needs. Call our office today at 630-364-4046 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/sc-fam-modern-custody-agreements-0313-story.html

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bird-nesting

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

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/201307/birds-nest-co-parenting-arrangements