Could virtual visitation help your parenting schedule? 

In the ever-changing landscape of family law, virtual (or electronic) visitation has emerged as a transformative tool to help address the challenges of maintaining parent-child relationships in an increasingly digital world. As with all tools in custody matters, there are advantages, disadvantages, and general considerations to make before relying too heavily on virtual visitation.

Virtual visitation leverages digital communication tools to facilitate remote interactions between noncustodial parents and their children. This includes video calls, messaging apps, emails, and other virtual platforms, offering a valuable supplement to traditional in-person visits.

Benefits of Electronic Visitation

1. Enhanced Communication: Enables parents to connect more frequently and consistently, fostering stronger relationships.
2. Flexibility: Provides scheduling flexibility, accommodating busy lifestyles and overcoming geographical barriers.
3. Cost-Effective: Offers a cost-effective alternative to in-person visits, especially in cases involving long distances.
4. Documentation: Leaves a digital record of interactions, which can be useful in legal proceedings to showcase a parent’s commitment to maintaining contact.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Technological Barriers: Limited access to technology or reliable internet connections may create disparities in the ability to engage in electronic visitation.
2. Privacy Concerns: Raises considerations about the privacy of conversations, as parents may be concerned about monitoring or recording.
3. Balancing with In-Person Visits: While valuable, electronic visitation cannot replace the importance of face-to-face interactions, necessitating a balanced approach.
4. Property concerns: When relying upon technology, it raises questions about when is the appropriate time for a child to have his or her own phone, tablet, etc. versus relying on the other parent’s, when can that device be taken away as punishment for a child without running afoul of visitation requirements, etc. 

   In the age of connectivity, electronic visitation plays a vital role in custody matters, offering an effective means for parents to nurture relationships with their children despite physical distances. While challenges exist, the benefits of increased communication, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness position electronic visitation as a valuable tool in shaping the future of modern custody arrangements.