The Pros and Cons of a Nesting Divorce Plan

Can Nesting Work After a Divorce?

An estimated 50 percent of kids in the U.S. will see their parents go through a divorce. If this is happening to you and your spouse, you may be wondering how to help your kids through the transition. One option is to set up a nesting divorce arrangement with help from a Jenkintown divorce lawyer. 

What Is a Nesting Divorce Plan?

Nesting is a co-parenting arrangement that involves keeping the family home and letting the kids live there full time. It’s an alternative to moving them back and forth between the homes of two exes. 

In this situation, you’ll rent another space or two if you have the budget. You and your ex will be the ones to shift where you’re sleeping. Here’s how it works:

• When it’s your time with the kids, you’ll move into the family home while your ex lives in the rented space.
  
• When it’s your ex’s turn to be with the kids, he or she will move into the family home while you live in the rental.
  
• You’ll continue to swap your shared living arrangements until your kids are old enough to be on their own or you can no longer sustain the lifestyle.
  

Not as Easy as It Sounds

Even if you and your ex are the ones moving in and out of the family home, you’ll need to be on good enough terms to establish a parenting plan. On its own, nesting doesn’t take the place of a plan or your time-sharing agreement.

Finances will be one major factor. You’ll need to decide who will pay for what and how. In addition to creating a regular schedule, it’s important to also work out who will be in the family home on weekends and holidays.

The Benefits of Nesting

You may benefit financially by keeping the family home and renting another small space to share. Living expenses are typically the biggest cost most people incur following a divorce. Along with the cost for the living space, you will also save on utility bills, cable/internet and other general living expenses. 

The emotional well-being of your children is another benefit of nesting. Shared living arrangements can be a lot easier on kids, especially if you have teens. Even though teens will have a better understanding of the situation, they might not like adjusting their living arrangements. Keeping children in the family home will ensure that they go to the same school and have the same friends. This may bring about better mental and emotional stability. 

The Downside to Nesting

The downside to keeping the family house is that you’ll still be tied to your ex in a very real way financially. When you sell the house and take separate paths, you’re creating a clean break. Child support would still be a factor but just until the kids are grown. Keeping the house is a much closer connection. 

Furthermore, simple matters like paying the cable bill can become major arguments. You may also run into big expenses such as the home needing a new roof or experiencing a flooding problem. In many cases, ex-couples will have to find a way to compromise on the finances. 

You’ll also need to work out child support. This can be especially tricky if you’re living in the same place. Dealing with the finances regarding food and the other shared residence expenses is another sticky challenge. 

The emotional side effect of sharing a home may be a problem as well. Are either of you planning to date? Will you bring someone home? You’ll have to decide how to work these issues out. 

A Jenkintown Divorce Lawyer Can Help You Navigate Your Divorce

If you’re considering a divorce, then let us help. At Joanne Kleiner & Associates in Jenkintown, we can help you set up a divorce nesting plan or a split involving a complete separation. Call our office at (215) 886-1266 to set up an appointment.