While stressful for parents, a Maryland divorce can be devastating for the children. To ease the blow and give them time to get used to seeing only one parent at a time, you may decide nesting is the best next step.
According to the Maryland Courts, while there is no such thing as a legal separation in the state, you may file for an absolute or limited divorce.
Limited divorce
If you and your spouse live separately and no longer have intimate relations, you may petition the court for a limited divorce. It establishes the date you and your spouse separate, and you must also state the reason for the split in the filing. Divorcing couples often decide that nesting benefits their family during the separation and often leads to an absolute divorce.
Nesting during divorce
Nesting is a temporary arrangement where the children stay in the family home, and parents take turns staying with them. A nesting plan not only includes the schedule of when each parent is “on-duty,” but it also includes who cares for the house, finances, communication and other daily concerns. This transition period may last weeks to months, depending on the situation.
By nesting, you and your kids can slowly get used to the new family structure. For young children, they can stay in a familiar place, with all of their toys and comforts. For you, it can help you save money and learn your new role as a single parent.
Nesting may work for you if you and your spouse can still communicate calmly and compromise for the sake of your kids. The nesting agreement, tailored to your particular situation, should reduce conflict between you and your spouse and minimize the children’s stress until you finalize the divorce.