A new approach to the parenting plans is being taken by thousands of couples in the Bay Area. While the traditional living arrangement method calls for moving the child back and forth from the mother’s house to the father’s house, “bird nesting” or “bird nest custody” keeps the child in the same home, while the parents move in and out as their time sharing agreement dictates. While bird nesting may not be for everyone, there are some striking positives to it that the traditional living split living arrangement for the child simply fails to meet. A San Jose custody attorney can explain bird nest custody in more depth to you.

How Bird Nesting Works

Bird nest custody requires that the child or children stay put in the home while the mother and father take turns living there and parenting. Whether parents have every other night with their children or every other week is up to you and the other parent. The goal is to reduce the stress on your child as much as possible during a separation or divorce.

The Effects of Divorce on Children

Divorce is devastating for young children. Divorce is known to cause emotional harm, psychological trauma, developmental issues, cognitive and educational problems, and even physical issues. In fact, divorce may increase a child’s risk of obesity, according to WebMD. Another study found that adult and juvenile children of divorced parents actually have higher suicide rates than the general population, particularly male children according to Huffington Post. Many of these serious problems can be mitigated by parents who cooperate well together, spend equal time with their children, and do everything in their power to create a stable, loving home life. Bird nesting goes a long way in creating a stable environment for your child. After all, adults are less emotionally fragile as young children, as resilient as your child may seem, and placing the burden of a stressful move once a week on yourself instead of on your child can be greatly beneficial.

Is Bird Nest Custody for You?

  • You and the other parent must each have another place to live. While the two of you could potentially share a second home and never have to sleep under the same roof, this may not be feasible for everyone;
  • You and the other parent must be able to communicate well; and
  • You and the other parent must be able to cooperate on a moderately high level.

Reach Out to a San Jose Custody Attorney

Bird nesting may be a great option for your child if you and the other parent can make it work. Contact a San Jose child custody attorney at the office of Gemma V. Reyes today for more information. Our attorneys would be glad to walk you through the ins and outs of this time sharing arrangement to see if it is right for you.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20140604/kids-obesity-risk-rises-with-parents-divorce-study

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/24/divorce-and-suicidal-idea_n_812456.html