Shared custody often involves a carefully orchestrated dance of drop-offs and alternating holidays where parents shuttle the children back and forth between their new homes. However, this solution isn’t the best option for every family.
Families with many children or a child with special needs may need to be a little more creative in their approach to shared custody. There are a few options for shared custody arrangements that can help families address unique needs.
Birdnesting prioritizes stability for your children
Children with special needs require a predictable life even more than most children. The drastic changes of a divorce could be particularly traumatic for them. They may struggle to go back and forth between households frequently.
It could also be very hard for parents with a big family to acquire separate living spaces on the same income that previously paid for a single house. Purchased real estate and rentals alike are more expensive when people require multiple bedrooms for children. Renting or buying two homes capable of accommodating multiple children may not be financially realistic with the current real estate market.
Whether for stability’s sake or cost purposes, some divorcing couples may find that birdnesting arrangements work for their family. The parents only need to each find their own room somewhere else, ensuring that the children stay in the home they know and get to continue to attend the same schools. Instead of having the children go back and forth between houses, the parents move in and out of the family home to follow the family custody arrangements.
Split custody works when parents face high demand situations
If you have multiple children or a child with special needs, standard shared custody may not be a practical solution. Neither parent may be in a position to care for all of the children simultaneously without support.
Split custody allows for certain children to stay with each parent. This can make it easier to share custody in large families or can ensure that a child with special needs receives support without compromising the childhood experiences of their siblings.
Considering creative custody solutions can help you make shared custody work better for your family.
