Virtual visitation refers to the use of technology to facilitate communication and interaction between individuals who are physically separated, such as family members, friends, or colleagues.
This form of engagement has become an increasingly popular addition to child custody orders and parenting plans in recent years. It isn’t hard to see why, as a well-constructed virtual visitation arrangement offers several benefits for co-parents and children alike.
Enhanced connectivity and communication
Virtual visitation provides a means for individuals to stay connected and maintain relationships despite geographical distances:
- Overcoming distance: Virtual visitation eliminates the limitations of distance, allowing people to interact in real time regardless of their physical location. This is particularly valuable for individuals separated by long distances or residing in different countries, enabling them to stay connected with loved ones regardless of time zone disparities.
- Flexible scheduling: Traditional in-person visits often require careful coordination of schedules and can be challenging to arrange. Virtual visitation offers greater flexibility, allowing individuals to communicate at convenient times without the need for extensive travel or disruptions to daily routines. This is especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules, such as those working long hours or living in remote areas.
- Visual and emotional connection: Through video calls, individuals can see and hear each other, fostering a sense of visual and emotional connection. This is particularly meaningful for family members separated by physical barriers, such as parents and children during a divorce or individuals with restricted parenting rights.
Virtual visitation arrangements need to be set up differently for young kids than they do for teens. Thankfully, there are so many different platforms available that can facilitate virtual visitation that this isn’t an issue for most families.
With the ever-advancing technology and increasing availability of virtual communication tools, virtual visitation is likely to continue growing as a valuable method for maintaining relationships between parents, their children and extended family/loved ones across distances.
