For many divorcing parents in North Carolina, dealing with child custody concerns can be one of the most difficult parts of the end of the marriage. In particular, parents may be concerned about the impact of the divorce on the emotional and physical well-being of the children. Divorce can disrupt a child’s existing routine dramatically, especially as joint custody agreements typically involve the child moving back and forth between their parents’ homes on a frequent basis. Because this disruption can seemingly make it more difficult for a child to adjust to the changes in their lives, some parents are looking for custody options to help ease the road.
One such option is called bird nesting in which both parents move in and out of the family home on a weekly basis after the divorce for their custody period. Instead of the children switching back and forth between homes, each parent leaves the house on the week when they do not have custody. The two parents could share an apartment for off weeks, stay with family or friends or establish new residences depending on the resources available to them.
The process can help children, especially those who are younger or have special needs, adjust to their changing reality on a gradual basis. Most experts advise that bird nesting is not a permanent solution, but it can be helpful on a temporary basis as children become accustomed to dealing with one parent at a time.
When parents decide to divorce, many are concerned that their relationship with their children will be affected. They can work with a family law attorney to help protect their rights and bond with their children. A lawyer may provide advocacy for a divorcing spouse in terms of child custody, spousal support, asset division and other key issues in family court.