During a divorce, parenting time typically gets divided between both parents. There are some cases in which one parent will get sole physical custody rights and the other parent will not have any time with their child. But this is generally rare and only done when there is a very good reason to do so – such as a danger to the child.
But in some cases, visitation will be used. It may be better for the child to live with one parent all the time, but the other parent can still spend time with them. An extension of this is known as virtual visitation. How can this be beneficial?
Using technology to stay in touch with the child
Virtual visitation is generally technology-based. For example, the child may use Skype on the family computer to talk to their parent. They may simply check-in through a phone call. They could talk to each other on FaceTime or another video-focused smartphone application. In some cases, virtual visitation just means sending text messages, pictures, email messages and things of this nature.
This type of visitation often has less to do with safety and more to do with availability and access. For instance, a parent who is in the military may have to travel extensively all over the world. They are simply not home to communicate with the child on a regular basis. Virtual visitation gives them a chance to check in and maintain that relationship, regardless of where they are physically.
When custody arrangements get complicated during a divorce, parents must understand exactly what options they have and what legal steps they can take.