{"id":351662,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-custody\/virtual-visitation.html"},"modified":"2023-05-28T17:44:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-28T22:44:43","slug":"virtual-visitation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/virtual-visitation.html","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Visitation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virtual Visitation<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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"Virtual visitation" is a form of child visitation that requires the use of technology to communicate over long distances. Virtual visitation often arises when the custodial parent relocates the child. This type of visitation allows the noncustodial parent to spend time with their child.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Requests for virtual visitation are generally made by the non-custodial parent. These requests are often made when the custodial parent relocates with a child. Moving can interfere with their existing parental visitation rights<\/a>. The use of virtual visitation is becoming more commonplace in all forms of co-parenting arrangements. In some cases, the custodial parent will request virtual visitation when the child is spending significant time with the non-custodial parent such as during spring break week or during the summer break.
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Virtual visitation makes co-parenting from long-distance easier. Read on to learn more about virtual visitation arrangements.<\/p>\r\n

Virtual Visitation Law<\/h2>\r\n

"Internet visitation" or "electronic visitation" grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visits can take place via popular apps such as Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime. These are video conferencing apps that use webcams. Virtual visits can also take place via phone calls. Additionally, standard electronic communication tools, such as email, text messaging, or instant messaging, can assist with communication between parent and child. Parents and older children also maintain communication through the messaging features of social media websites (like Facebook or Instagram).<\/p>\r\n

States have different virtual visitation laws. Indiana, Utah, Wisconsin, and North Carolina<\/a> passed laws allowing for electronic visitation. Florida and Illinois recognize virtual visitation as a supplement to traditional custody and visitation arrangements. Both states allow it in the parenting plan if both parents agree. But, it is not a substitution. Texas allows virtual visitation in visitation schedules.<\/p>\r\n

Legislatures in many other states are considering passing similar laws. Don’t worry if your state doesn’t address virtual visitation. Most state courts will order such contact even if it is not addressed in the state code.<\/p>\r\n

Virtual visitation laws supplement, but do not replace traditional, face-to-face parent time. These laws generally require each parent to:<\/p>\r\n