The advent of the internet has changed the way the legal field conducts its practice. Motions and decisions can now be made online, video conferencing can take the place of meetings between parties in different states, which now includes child custody visitation sessions. While only some states, namely Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina, and Florida have passed legislation that allows for electronic visitation, many others are considering it, due to its success elsewhere. Children today have access to video conferencing software in their schools, but the majority also have access at home, whether on a smartphone or home computer.

While these visitation sessions are not meant to take the place of in-person child visitation sessions, it can allow a parent and child or a grandparent and grandchild to continue communicating while visitation is being determined or in the event that the parties cannot agree to the terms of visitation rights. Virtual visitation can be beneficial for parents who do not want to miss a major event, want to continue daily or weekly communication with the child in order to keep a family dynamic intact, and foster open communication. Divorce or separation can be a difficult situation for any family, but the ability to maintain daily activities performed by each parent can help make the transition to a new routine easier.

Virtual visitation is defined differently in each state, but mostly includes communication using web-based conferencing, video conferencing via smartphone, instant or text messaging, emailing, or talking over the phone. If virtual visitation was enacted after your divorce decree was finalized, you can ask a judge to modify or change the visitation agreement to include virtual visitation as an option. While this is not meant to replace visitation, virtual communication can help families maintain consistently and transparency.

Today, with the amount of access both children and parents have to phones and computers, it is almost certain that timed discussions can be scheduled between parents or caretakers in order to make a child available. Additionally, there is little concern about the security or safety of these methods of communication; they help the child’s schedule be consistent while also allowing him or her to realize that he or she can communicate with both parents while just under the care of one.

Have a Legal Claim Related to Electronic Security?

If you or someone you know has questions about child visitation arrangements, electronic or otherwise, call our office today. We can easily work with your busy schedule and help you get results. Attorney Bryce Angell is a licensed to practice in the state of Georgia and is willing to help you today. Feel free to reach out to our office at 800-808-6184 or online using our website portal.