Even amicable New Jersey divorces can result in finances becoming increasingly strained. Although the separation may be the best course of action, maintaining multiple residences while sorting through legalities is often unrealistic. Due to the money crunch, many people feel pressure to make decisions quickly and regret it later. However, you may have an option that gives you the breathing room to make the right decisions and smooth the transition for your kids when moving from your family home to separate houses.
According to Psychology Today, parents who take turns in the family home during a divorce or separation while the kids continue to live there full time is birdnesting. Each parent takes a turn “on-duty.” The off-duty parent resides in a separate location and then rotates back to the family home for a specific time. This model of separation has several benefits.
Single-parent experience
Being a single parent has pros and cons. Nesting allows you to get used to the single-parent experience in stages. If you seldom spend much time with your kids or deal with meals, clean up and homework, you can ease into it. By staying in the family home, children have fewer changes to worry about, making getting used to being with a parent one-on-one easier.
Child-focused transition
Uprooting your kids from their home disrupts all aspects of their lives, from school and friends to how they interact with you and your ex. Nesting lets them get used to the changing family dynamic. Going home to the same house every night and having one parent there helps them adjust slowly. It also removes some of the tension when you and your ex are in the same space.
Keeping the family home and still having your own space during the divorce, helps you get the time and breathing room you need to work out property division, custody, child and spousal support issues.
