Is nesting in your child’s best interest?

 Posted on December 13, 2021 in Uncategorized

Nesting may be an ideal solution to sharing custody of your child after a divorce. This is because it allows your child to remain in the same Maryland house that he or she is already familiar with. However, there are several variables that you need to consider before deciding if this is something that is right for yourself, your child and your child’s other parent.

How nesting differs from other parenting plans

Those who choose to pursue the nesting strategy will spend part of their time in the family home and part of their time in a separate home or apartment. For instance, you may spend weekdays at home with your child while spending weekends in an apartment across town. While you are away, your child’s other parent will live in the family home. Your child gets to live at the same address regardless of who is there to offer supervision.

The potential benefits of nesting

Nesting may be ideal for those who don’t want to take their children out of good school districts or move them too far away from friends or extended family members. It may also be a good idea for custodial parents who aren’t sure if they want to keep or sell the house.

The potential drawbacks of nesting

One of the key drawbacks of nesting is that you can’t be sure that your former spouse will keep the house in adequate condition while you are gone. Furthermore, nesting is generally seen as a short-term solution that is to be used while a permanent child custody plan is worked out. Finally, there is no guarantee that you will be able to afford the cost of an apartment while also paying the mortgage on your existing home.

Ideally, you will do whatever it takes to help your child deal with the negative aspects of your divorce. Even if nesting isn’t an ideal solution in your case, it’s important to take steps to include your former partner in the process of raising your child assuming that it is safe to do so.