The Digital Age has its drawbacks and its perks. For example, the rate at which motorists check their phones while operating vehicles at high speeds is disturbing. Conversely, it is now far easier than ever before to stay in touch with loved ones who may live dozens, hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
This ease of connection across the miles can be particularly beneficial when parents are separated from their minor children due to military service, occupational necessity, illness or divorce. When a child spends some of their time living with one parent and some of their time living with another, they can feel as if they are constantly being pulled in multiple directions. Setting virtual visitation expectations can help to ease this strain.
What are the benefits of this approach?
In a nutshell, virtual visitation is the process of keeping whichever parent is not currently residing with their child more fully involved and invested in their daily life via video chats, postal mail, story time apps, email, texts, social media and other electronic platforms and non-electronic means. If you don’t always reside with your child due to co-parenting arrangements, you may want to strongly consider adding virtual visitation terms to your parenting plan for the following reasons:
- One: Promote Continual Parent-Child Bonding. Virtual visitation allows parents to connect with their children in real-time. It provides an opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences and remain an active part of their child’s daily life, despite geographical barriers.
- Two: Enhance Consistency. Virtual visitation helps maintain a consistent presence in the child’s life, even if physical visitation is limited due to factors like distance, work commitments or health concerns. This consistency can provide stability and emotional support for the affected child.
- Three: Address Special Needs and Medical Considerations. In cases where a child has medical needs, disabilities, or other conditions that require frequent communication with each parent, virtual visitation can play a crucial role in better ensuring the child’s well-being.
- Four: Foster Flexibility. Including virtual visitation terms in a parenting plan offers flexibility, as it allows parents to schedule virtual interactions that align with both parties’ availability and time zones. This flexibility can accommodate changing schedules and reduce potential conflicts.
Virtual visitation isn’t a cure-all for the stresses that can arise from a co-parenting situation. But, if virtual visitation expectations are thoughtfully constructed, they can go a long way toward facilitating parents’ rights and the best interests of a child whose parents are no longer together.
At The Law Firm of Poppe & Associates, PLLC, our focus is relentless advocacy for our clients. If you or someone you know is considering divorce, reach out to schedule a consultation at 646-665-3903 or by contacting us online.
Let Me Be Your Brave
Mia Poppe, Esq.
Managing Partner