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Virtual visitation and child custody in Florida

On Behalf of | Aug 13, 2015 | Child Custody

Florida is one of several states that have created laws allowing parents to engage in virtual visitation with their children. This type of visitation enables non-custodial parents to utilize technology to maintain and preserve their parent/child relationships. Types of virtual visitation include video conferencing, e-mail, video chatting, instant messaging and most any other electronic means of communication.

Non-custodial parents may choose to request the addition of virtual visitation while negotiating a child custody agreement or parenting plan. Not intended to replace traditional custody or visitation, virtual options can supplement parenting and custody arrangements. This is particularly valuable in situations where one parent lives or works in a different city or state than the child. Virtual visitation empowers the non-custodial parent to build and maintain a stronger, healthier relationship with the child while virtually participating in many aspects of the child’s life.

This form of electronic visitation can provide the child and the parent with several valuable benefits such as:

— Sharing face to face communications with eye contact and facial expressions– Helping the child with homework or even craft projects– Discussing day-to-day activities with one another– Sharing bedtime rituals together

Just like all legal decisions that affect the children of divorce, courts in Florida will consider many factors before awarding virtual visitation as a child custody supplement. Non-custodial parents in Florida who are interested in virtual visitation may want to consider working with a family law attorney to put an action plan in place. A lawyer can help you show the judge how virtual visitation would be a great benefit when added to a traditional child custody and visitation agreement.

Source: FindLaw, “Virtual Visitation,” accessed Aug. 13, 2015

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