Bird Nesting – An Alternative for Harmonious Divorces

Bird nesting is a new buzz word making the rounds of modern-thinking parents across the country. Bird nesting isn’t new – but it is becoming more in the mainstream. A bird’s nest divorce is a parenting arrangement between parents that allows the children to remain in the family home while the parents take turns moving in and out. The family home is thus referred to as a “nest”, where children can feel safe, comfortable, and happy. The arrangement is best suited to parents who will be sharing parenting responsibilities as well as for those who are involved in a harmonious divorce.

Bird Nesting is Good for the Kids

Parents in a divorce are often trying to do what is best for the children while creating enough quality parenting time for both parents. According to some psychologists, bird nesting may be the best solution to provide children with the stability they need while their parents enter into a transitional phase. Kids in bird nest divorces are generally happier than those who must shuffle between two households.

It is easy to see why children may be less stressed by a bird nest divorce. They can keep their schedules, maintain friendships, and continue participation in their activities all as if nothing has changed. They stay in their regular bedrooms and have access to all of their toys. Indeed, it could be an ideal situation for the children. But what about the parents?

Parents and Bird Nesting

Parents may find it difficult if to participate in this situation. It will only work well if parents are otherwise able to participate in a timesharing arrangement. Both parents will need to agree to move in and out of the home at regular specified intervals. One of the common arrangements provides for one parent to stay in the home for three days and the other parent to stay for four days each week. Parents will need to maintain another residence outside of the family home. If finances are a concern parents could agree to rent a small studio apartment where they each stay while the other is in the home. Many of the actual logistics of the arrangement would need to be discussed in detail, but this is a situation that could, in fact, work for many parents.

After Bird Nesting Is Complete

A typical bird nesting arrangement provides for the home to be used as the nest until the youngest child is 18 years old. After this time period, the home may be purchased by one or the other parent or it may be sold and the parents will divide the profits. The family home basically continues to be owned by both spouses after the divorce and until such time as they agree to discontinue the arrangement.

This option may allow both parents to become more financially independent and thus able to more easily purchase the home. However, disputes could arise over which parent should be allowed to buy the other out. It is helpful if these details are worked out in advance and become part of the initial divorce agreement.

If you are divorcing you may want to learn more about bird nesting as well as other parenting options available to you. Contact the Tampa divorce attorneys and family law lawyers at All Family Law Group, P.A. in Tampa Bay at 813-816-2232 for a consultation at no charge or email us.

By Lynette Silon-Laguna Google+