Going through a divorce is difficult for everyone in a family. This includes the children, who often need external sources of stability and support to make it through alright.
Nesting is one potential way to provide some of this stability. But what is it, and how do you know if it is the right choice for you?
What is nesting?
Cornell Law School defines nesting as a housing option. Nesting serves many different goals. It allows your child to retain a sense of control in their life. It also provides a sense of stability and normalcy in a very turbulent time.
So what is it? Nesting is a form of housing during divorce that allows the child to remain in the family home, rather than traveling between their parent’s residences in accordance with a visitation schedule. Instead, the parents will switch off living in the family home with their child.
This allows the child to focus on coping with the divorce itself, rather than worrying about adjusting to a new environment, making new friends, learning about a new city, attending a new school and so on.
What should parents have?
However, parents must meet at least two requirements before looking seriously into this option. The first involves their ability to respect one another’s space and belongings. After all, each co-parent will have time alone in the family home with the child. Trust is important to make sure this works out.
Additionally, parents need the financial ability to afford two forms of housing, or need others they can room with temporarily when they are not staying at the family home. Those who fit at least these two categories may want to consider proceeding.
