Virtual Visitation Can Advanced Technology Be Applied in Parent-Child Relationship?
It is hard to imagine our nowadays lives without various electronic devices and advanced technology making communication easier than ever. We attend webinars and web-meetings, catch up with family and friends over Skype and Facetime, use Google phone for free phone calls and conduct most of our work assignments using some sort of server and software.
One of the few areas where advanced technology is not used so extensively is communication between parent and child. Some will argue that that's how it should remain since Skype conversation will never be the same as actually seeing the loved ones eyes and holding their hand. And the opponents will strike back with a contention that being able to see each other even over the screen every day is a lot better than spending only a day or two together once a year.
Anyone would agree that it would be best if our children could grow up with both of the parents in their lives on every-day basis. However, after divorce such arrangement is close to impossible. Thus, virtual visitation should be considered as an alternative way to participate in your child life daily. Whether it is to catch up on your day or have dinner together while talking over Skype, virtual visitation would make a lot of children happier.
California legislature is addressing this issue by considering an amendment to California Family Code Division 8, which addresses the issues of child custody. The amendment introduces the concept of virtual visitation and defines it as communication via telephone, email, video conferencing, or other wired or wireless device. Moreover, the proposed law indicates that such communication between parent and child can be counted toward shared parenting time.
However, virtual visitation is not intended to be a substitute for physical contact and therefore is limited by several conditions, including that:
- It should be limited in time;
- It may not be weighed as a consideration in a relocation request;
- It cannot be included as a factor in calculating child support;
- It may be allowed when the child is in the physical custody of the other parent; and
- It can be considered as a means of visitation for grandparents.
The lawmakers also consider virtual visitation as a viable alternative to supervised visitation when physical contact could be dangerous to the health or well being of the child. In cases like that, virtual visitation would be a lot less expensive and more convenient for all of the parties involved.
In conclusion, virtual visitation is an alternative means of communication between parent and child. Although it is not intended to replace physical contact and face-to-face conversation, it should be considered as an effective way to provide frequent and continuous communication between the child and the non-custodial parent.
If you are considering incorporating virtual visitation in your current parenting plan, please call Womens Divorce Center at (619) 630 4765.’