For many Massachusetts couples who know that their marriages are over, the prospect of divorce is overwhelming. Parents sometimes stay together in toxic relationships because they cannot imagine putting their children through the trauma of divorce and the many changes it will bring about. Fortunately, there are many different options for post-divorce parenting plans, and most can be tailored to suit the dynamics of the family.
One of the options that is said to cause the least amount of upheaval for the children is Birdnesting. This is a method of parenting by which the children remain in the family residence while both parents get their own separate accommodations. Instead of carting the children back and forth between the two parents, the parents do the traveling by taking turns to live with the children according to a pre-arranged schedule.
This is only suitable for parents who have not moved on into new relationships, and it may only be a temporary solution until parents are ready to move on. While saving on the expenses of equipping two homes to cater for their children, parents can rest assured that their children are not removed from familiar surroundings with established circles of friends. Parents who are able to spend time in each other’s company can still spend special times with the children, but if that is uncomfortable, the parents need not spend time together at all.
To get more information about the various options for parenting plans in Massachusetts divorces, a consultation with an experienced family law attorney may be beneficial. Not only can an attorney provide useful information and advice, he or she can also provide the necessary guidance and support throughout the legal proceedings that may follow. An attorney can work to achieve custody, visitation arrangements and parenting plans that will protect the rights of the client and the best interests of the children while also allowing them to have a rich and meaningful relationship with the other parent.
Source: divorcedmoms.com, “Birdnesting Custody: Hooray for Alternative Custody Arrangements”, Pennie S. Heath, Accessed on June 18, 2026