Why Should I Consider a Nesting Arrangement During My New Jersey Divorce?

Going through a divorce is an incredibly challenging time for the parties at the center of the separation. However, many divorcing spouses forget to consider the fact that their children can be just as affected by this change. As such, doing what you can to minimize the stress of a divorce on your children is critical, which is why many parents consider a nesting arrangement. If you’re unfamiliar with what this option is or whether or not it’s right for your family, you’ll want to connect with experienced Morris County family law attorneys to explore your choices.

What Is a Nesting Arrangement?

A nesting arrangement is an option that some couples use when going through a divorce and who share custody. Essentially, this allows the children to stay in the family home while the parents move in and out according to the custody plan. For example, if each parent has a week with the children at a time, Parent A would move in for one week, while Parent B stays at a different location. When Parent A’s time is up, they will move to a different location and Parent B will move into the family home with the children.

Additionally, you should understand that a nesting arrangement is not meant to be a permanent solution, but rather a short-term solution to aid in the transition your children will undergo.

What Are the Benefits and Disadvantages?

One of the most prevalent benefits of a nesting arrangement is that it is considerably less disruptive for the children. Often a divorce can be confusing, and having to move out of the family home and between parents constantly can be extremely upsetting for young children. Older children may have feelings of anger or resentment. As such, nesting allows children to remain in a familiar location and feel like some part of their life is still stable.

However, it can be expensive to maintain a nesting arrangement. This is because you’ll still have to pay the mortgage on the family home while also paying an additional expense for the new location you live in. While some couples may feel comfortable sharing an apartment to alternate also, others may not, leading to each parent contributing to the mortgage and paying rent.

What Should I Do if I’m Getting a Divorce?

If you are getting a divorce and considering whether or not a nesting arrangement is right for your family, it’s in your best interest to connect with an attorney. They can help you and your spouse draft an agreement to ensure you are on the same page about responsibilities, time spent in the home, and how to communicate to make this work as smoothly as possible.

When you need help, Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn can help. We understand how upsetting a divorce can be and can help you and your family explore your legal options to make this transition to the next chapter as smooth as possible. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you through these matters.