One of the most difficult parts of a Redwood City divorce is determining where everyone should live, especially children. Traditionally, one parent would agree to move out of the family home and the children would be expected to travel back-and-forth between their parents’ houses. However, a new trend, called “bird nesting,” provides children with more stability. It allows them to stay in one home post-divorce, while the parents take turns living in the home. In fact, a new ABC comedy called, “Splitting Up Together,” starring Oliver Hudson and Jenna Fischer, draws attention to this new way of living for families dealing with divorce.
Generally, bird nesting can be beneficial for both divorcing parents and their children, particularly if the parents can afford to maintain the family home, as well as separate living areas for them to live in when they are not staying in the home. From a financial perspective, bird nesting can be helpful becuase it allows ex-spouses to wait until the time is right to sell the house or move to another property. Many couples keep a bird nesting arrangement while they wait for the value of the house to increase or their lease to end.
Bird nesting can also greatly benefit the children by providing stability during an already difficult time in a family’s life. Young children and children with special needs may have a tough time adjusting to the changes that occur after a divorce. Bird nesting gives kids a way to maintain some sense of normalcy by letting them stay in the home they have always known and continue interacting with their parents in that environment.
But, bird nesting may not be the best option for everyone. If ex-spouses have conflicting schedules or unable to agree on how to share expenses or handle household chores, bird nesting may prove to be a challenge. Children may also get confused and think that they are getting back together with their ex in the future. If one plans to try bird nesting, experts suggest that ex-spouses determine exactly how long they plan to keep the arrangement going and establish clear boundaries and rules for behavior in the house.
Source: CNBC, “This hot Hollywood divorce trend may not be for you,” Lorie Konish, April 16, 2018
