Virtual visitation is a way that a parent without primary custody can still stay in touch with their child. It utilizes modern technology and allows connectivity at a distance.
For instance, it may be impractical for a parent to physically visit a child every week. But with virtual visitation, the two could have a video phone call using an app; such as Skype or FaceTime. In this sense, even if they cannot physically be there, the parent can still schedule a time to talk to the child and be involved in their life.
Why would this be necessary?
In some cases, virtual visitation is necessary because parents simply live too far apart. If one parent has primary custody, but the other parent lives in a different state on the other side of the country, there is just no realistic way to make frequent physical custody exchanges. While that parent may come to visit periodically, they can use virtual visitation to fill in the gaps.
This can also be useful for those who have a demanding lifestyle that requires a lot of travel. A professional athlete, for instance, may constantly be on the road. A high-level business professional may frequently travel overseas as part of their executive duties for a corporation, but they can still use virtual visitation even when they are in a different country or on an entirely different continent.
Custody orders usually prioritize a child’s best interests, and that may include virtual visitation to maintain a relationship with both parents. It is crucial that parents understand how this can fit into their custody plan and what rights they have.