What is virtual visitation and what are its benefits?

In child custody cases, it is not uncommon for one parent to be awarded visitation rights, while the other has full custody of the child. Traditionally, the parent who is awarded visitation rights meets with the child in person, but a new form of visitation has emerged that doesn’t require these in-person meetings to occur. Virtual visitation, also known as electronic visitation or Internet visitation, has made it possible for parents to keep in touch with their child in situations where an in-person meeting isn’t possible.

Virtual visitation is used when one parent, the custodial parent, is looking to relocate with the child. With the child moving away, the non-custodial parent will find themselves with limited parenting time, so they won’t see their child as much. With this being the case, instead of meeting with them in person, they use email, instant messaging and video conferencing to stay in touch with their child.

There are several benefits to this type of visitation. For example, parents can virtually attend important events, assist their child with homework, read their child a bedtime story and do other things they would be able to do in person if the child lived closer to them. Although this form of visitation is convenient and allows the parent and child to stay in constant contact with one another, it does not replace the in-person visits. It is just another way for the parent and child to maintain a healthy relationship during those times between in-person visits.

If you are in the midst of a child custody dispute and are interested in virtual visitation, a California family law attorney may be able to assist you.