An Overview Of Child Virtual Visitation
Posted on: 2 May 2023
Child custody and visitation takes multiple forms. One of them is virtual visitation, which several states recognize. Below is an overview of virtual child visitation.
What It Means
Virtual visitation means visitation that takes place in the virtual world. The virtual world encompasses different technologies and media, including:
- Phones
- Computers
- Tablets
- Web cameras
- Online resources, such as video conferencing programs
The technologies allow calling, messaging, and video conferencing so that you can visit and interact with your child from different locations. The two of you can play virtual games, you can help the child with their homework, or you can even witness an extracurricular activity in school.
Purpose
The purpose of virtual visitation is not to replace traditional or physical visitation. Rather, courts use virtual visitation to complement physical visitation. Thus, virtual visitation does not mean you stop interacting with your child face-to-face. However, you can have occasional physical meetings plus regular virtual sessions.
Circumstances That Call for Virtual Visitation
Not every situation calls for virtual visitation. Below are situations courts have used to allow or order virtual visitations.
The Parents Live Far Apart
Parents who live far apart, for example, in different states or countries, may need virtual visitation. For example, you can easily see your child every weekend in the same city, but that might not be practical if you live on the East and West Coast, respectively. In such a case, the practical thing is occasional physical meetings and several virtual visitations.
A Parent is Incarcerated
Virtual visitation with an incarcerated parent makes sense for several reasons. For example:
- Adult prison is not really a good place to have children.
- Many prisons limit visitations.
- The activities children can enjoy with their parents behind bars are limited.
Thus, virtual visitation might be the best option for the child.
Traveling Is Dangerous Due To Exiting Public Health Policies
Virtual visitation also makes sense if traveling would expose a child or parent to health problems. The Covid-19 pandemic era is a good example – if traveling for a physical visitation risks the child or parent's health, virtual visitation is a good option.
More Contact Is Necessary
Lastly, virtual visitation is always welcome in cases where the child needs increased contact with their noncustodial parent. Consider an emotionally fragile child who feels that the noncustodial parent is not present in their life. Virtual visitation can help increase parent-child interactions and reassure the child of the parent's love.
Reach out to a family lawyer to learn more.
Share