When parents divorce, building a fair parenting plan and custody agreement is one of the most important aspects of the process, one which may affect the rights and privileges of both parents for years to come. As you consider all of your options, it is wise to carefully examine the benefits and drawbacks that virtual visitation can offer.
Now that smart devices enjoy widespread use and technology is sufficiently advanced, courts recognize the value of parents spending time with their children. In this context, courts refer to spending time this way as virtual visitation.
The benefits of virtual visitation are significant, but it is important to understand that this form of visitation should only supplement your other physical parenting time or visitation rights, not replace it. Virtual visitation may allow you to see your child growing and having important experiences when you cannot physically participate in them, but should not take away from the physical time that a court guarantees you in a custody order.
In some cases, a court may overestimate the value of virtual visitation and approve a relocation that it might otherwise not approve. While this is not likely, it is certainly wise to look out for this potential complication so that you can defend your right to physical parenting time with your child(ren).
If you face the difficult task of creating a custody plan with your child’s other parent, it is vital to understand how virtual visitation may work in your favor and also how it may minimize your privileges. Careful assessment of all of your legal options and a strong legal strategy can help you protect your privileges and strengthen your parenting as you work to create a good life for your child.
Source: FindLaw, “Virtual Visitation,” accessed May 25, 2018