Families have a wide range of reasons for hiring a nanny. Frequently, the extra help is needed because both parents work outside the home. Whether a family has an existing nanny, or parents require childcare assistance due to the new living arrangements, divorce can make keeping or hiring a nanny very complicated.
During the process of negotiating custody and visitation arrangements, you should be forthright about how a nanny fits into your childcare plans. Thoughtful discussion between parents and their lawyers can help determine what works best among the following options:
- Using one nanny for both homes — Some divorced parents opt to hire a single nanny who provides help in whatever home the children happen to be in at the time. This option can offer consistency for the children, particularly if the individual previously worked for the family. If you’re thinking about this type of arrangement, you’ll need to communicate frequently with your ex, provide a living space in both homes and make sure that the nanny is comfortable with traveling back and forth.
- Separate nannies in each home — When each parent hires someone on their own, they can establish an employer-employee relationship based on their specific needs, rather than requiring the approval of their former partner. However, this arrangement might be more expensive, and you should be vigilant about maintaining consistency between homes. It could become necessary for the nannies to communicate with each other about transportation, school activities or medical issues.
- A nanny in one home — Job responsibilities, custody terms and other factors may require one parent to retain a nanny while the other handles childcare without in-home assistance. To ensure a fair division of financial responsibility, child support terms should be negotiated so that when it is necessary for one parent to hire a nanny, their salary and benefits are reflected within the monthly obligation.
For divorced parents, hiring a nanny—either separately or together—requires careful planning, communication and compromise. Regardless of the specific arrangement, the goal is to create a stable, nurturing environment for sons and daughters, as well as their parents.
The Long Island divorce leader, Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. represents Nassau and Suffolk County residents in child support negotiations and all types of family law matters. Please call 631-388-6009 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.