Virtual visitation is one of the best ways for some families to stay in contact with one another, such as contact through email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and more. Often times, this becomes available through a parental agreement or custody order. A lot of times, you hear about these situations when one parent wants to relocate or move away from the area with the child, which would interfere with parental visitation rights.
Is it in the Child’s Best Interest?
Only under some circumstances, will the court take virtual visitation into consideration, especially since it is a somewhat new concept in the area of family law. It will only be considered, for instance, if it is in the best interest of the child. This means that, a parent can only partake in it if it will not seriously interfere with the child’s well-being and upbringing. It is also available mostly in cases where a separation has caused a child to move long distances from the other parent. It is a cost-effective way to reduce travel expenses and visitation costs. It may also be available in situations where one parent was not permitted to see the child often, but still gives them a way to retain contact. If it poses a danger to the child, the judge will not allow it.
Pros and Cons
There are many benefits to virtual visitation, as it allows for a parent and child to maintain a relationship between one another. Some examples of benefits include being able to read a child a bedtime story, help them with homework, give the child a chance to see the parent face-to-dace, keep them up to date with their daily lives, and even sometimes give the parent a chance to witness special events like a sports event or recital. On the other hand, there may be some drawbacks. For example, some people believe that virtual visitation is trying to replace physical meetings with the child on a regular basis. It may also push a judge into making a decision on a huge relocation, even when it should not be considered.
If you believe that virtual visitation is right for you due to relocation, you should speak to your attorney before you go to court. Anything is possible when you work as a team to reach an agreement in your visitation schedule. Call us today for the best options in your case.