Ending a marriage is likely one of the most traumatizing experiences any couple in Texas can go through. If there are children involved, a divorce affects the lives of so many more than just the husband and wife. Some parents have found that bird’s nest custody arrangements work best as it keeps the focus on the children. But how does bird’s nesting work?
This arrangement leaves the children in the familiar, stable surroundings of their family home while the parents take turns living with them. Instead of the children having to alternate between the homes of their parents, they do not have to change schools, leave friends behind and miss events or extracurricular activities because of the visitation or parenting schedule. Parents can communicate during changeover times, and they can even leave each other notes on the fridge.
However, like with all child custody arrangements, there are cons to bird’s nesting — one of which is the financial aspect. This arrangement requires each parent to have a place to live in addition to the family home where the children live, making it significantly more expensive. Also, this will require the parents, and not the children, to plan their lives around their parenting schedule, and if they do not get along, the changeover could be a challenge. However, the same is true for more traditional custody arrangements where exchanges can prove to be uncomfortable.
Bird’s nesting might make it difficult for parents to move on and enter into other relationships after a divorce. It might be wise to make it a temporary arrangement to allow young children to adjust to their parents being divorced. However, with the support and guidance of an experienced Texas family law attorney, pros and cons can be considered before these critical decisions are made.
