To Nest or Not to Nest in Custody Cases? That is the Question…

February 21, 2023
Louis Sternberg

Nesting in Custody Cases in New York

Nesting arrangements have gained an increasing amount of attention in recent years as an alternative to traditional custodial options for families going through the often-stressful separation process.

What is the nesting model of custody?

Nesting arrangements are quickly becoming a preferred method for custody arrangements due to the inherent benefit to children. Rather than moving the children back and forth between parents’ residences to effectuate parenting time, the children remain in the family home, while the parents take turns caring for the children at the home. The parents rotate according to an agreed-upon schedule. The benefits of arranging separations like this are numerous, for both the children and the parents. Perhaps most importantly, the children have the benefit of remaining in their home, ensuring consistency and stability, regardless of which parent is exercising time at that given moment. For all of the many benefits of a nesting schedule, it often comes at a great financial cost in that it generally requires three homes to be maintained – the original family residence and an additional residence for each party to reside when he or she is not exercising parenting time in the marital residence.

Nesting custody schedules offer children a stable and consistent environment, allowing them to remain in their own home. This arrangement reduces stress and conflict between parents, as minimal contact is required. Additionally, psychologists have highlighted the benefits of nesting in providing a solid structure for children.


Nesting can last as long as you need it to, whether it be for a trial period while you and your spouse are working on the marriage, or whether you have decided to separate and want to use the nesting custody arrangement as an alternative custody arrangement until the children reach a certain milestone in their lives. Each family is unique and drafting a sustainable and tailored nesting agreement is the key to success.

Suffolk County New York Custody Nesting Attorney

A nesting schedule can be beneficial for you and your children with a well-drafted agreement. If you are wondering whether a nesting schedule may be a good option for you, call the office of Louis L. Sternberg today for a free consultation.