Virtual Visitation – The Next Best Thing to Being There

As more marriages end in divorce and as more people move away from their childhood homes to live across the country, there is an increasing number of children who live hundreds, even thousands, of miles away from one of their parents. Many people decide that they would like to relocate after a divorce, but they also want to continue to be a part of their children’s lives. Although there have always been long-distancing parenting arrangements where the child or the parent flies over for a visit for Christmas or during summer vacation — phone calls and emails also allow parents and children to keep in touch between visits, but they are not a substitute for in-person interaction.

Can Skype be a substitute for an in-person visit?

Technology has given us another option ― visitation via Skype or another videoconferencing program. Videoconferencing is an attractive option for adults in many situations because it allows a deeper kind of interaction than a phone call. This kind of interaction is even more important for young children, who may have difficulty with the idea that a disembodied voice on a phone line is actually their parent. Parents are also reassured by seeing their children’s expressions and being better able to read their moods when their child is far away.

The Journal of the American Bar Association discussed the use of videoconferencing as a possible tool in long-distance parenting in an article back in 2005 and, in 2010, a New York court ordered the use of Skype as part of a decision to allow a parent to move the child out of state.

In the past, using Skype required both parties to have a fairly new computer equipped with a webcam and special software. In 2013, many phones have built-in software, such as Face Time, that makes videoconferencing as simple as dialing a phone number.

Is Skype visitation legal in Alabama?

You may believe that you don’t need permission to pick up the phone and FaceTime your kids. In relation to this, the truth is that there are a number of reasons why the law makes it mandatory for noncustodial parents to seek permission for virtual visitation. A primary concern is to enjoy uninterrupted time with the children.

You probably would not appreciate the other parent interrupting your visitation. Having permission and setting boundaries regarding call schedules can prevent this.

Official virtual visitation also keeps everyone on the same page where acceptable forms of contact are concerned. It also gives your children a pre-decided structure.

Virtual visitation may be a salient way of maintaining a strong parent-child bond in cases where the court decides to let the other parent relocate following the divorce. You may want to include virtual visitation in the custody plan if you are not in the same town as your child but want to remain connected with them through digital modes.

Virtual visitation is a cost-effective solution. Gas, mileage, train tickets, plane tickets, and time off work can be cost-prohibitive. You may find it challenging to share the same physical space as your kids often if you are financially insecure. Virtual visitation can be useful in easing the financial burden.

Should You Agree to Virtual Visitation?

If done right, virtual visitation can benefit both the child and the parent. Communication becomes more meaningful when you can see the other person and interact with them visually. Young children want to hear their parent’s voices and interact with them frequently.

They may not understand the concept of weekend visits. You can stay better involved in your child’s life by knowing about their day and reading bedtime stories, even when over a call.

If you are considering relocation or if you think that Skype visitation might make sense for you, consult with an experienced Alabama family law attorney.