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Weighing the pros and cons of bird nesting child custody plans

Child-centered divorces have become a popular, and welcome, new trend. It is never a child’s fault when his or her parents can no longer make the marriage work, so why should children pay the largest price? As more parents seek ways to make divorce easier on their kids, they often long for creative solutions to child custody. As a result, bird nesting custody plans are gaining interest across the state of Tennessee.

What is bird nesting child custody?

In these arrangements, the children of divorce never have to live outside of a single home. Instead of moving the kids around, parents choose to move themselves. They maintain a family home for the kids and live elsewhere when they are not engaged in visitation or parenting time.

As you might expect, there are huge benefits to this kind of child custody, but there are downsides as well. Here are a few pros and cons to consider.

  • Pro: Gives children more stability and routine
  • Con: The costs of maintaining multiple residences can be challenging
  • Pro: Allows each parent to receive equitable parenting time
  • Con: Parents may have more contact than they like with one another
  • Pro: Often fulfills the best needs of the child legal requirement
  • Con: May cause disruption in the parents’ lives
  • Pro: Facilitates peaceful communication on family matters
  • Con: May give children false hope for a parental reconciliation

Obviously, a bird nesting child custody arrangement is not suitable for all families. However, it is something to think about if you are looking for a creative way to support a child-centered divorce. A family law professional can also help you find ways to protect your kids through your divorce.

Source: Child and Family Therapy Center, “Nesting Plans for Divorce: Pros and Cons,” Stephen Mardell, accessed March 06, 2018