As the divorce rate is increasing, it is estimated that 18 million children have separated or divorced parents. At least 25 percent of these children live in a different city than one of their parents. When this happens, it can be traumatic for the children and they may experience separation anxiety if they are unable to see the non-custodial parent often. To help alleviate the trauma, many courts are implementing virtual visitation.

What is Virtual Visitation?

Virtual visitation is a way for parents and children to have contact with each other using technology such as web cams to have face-to-face visits even when the parties involved are not able to have frequent in person visits. There are several internet-based ways for parents to communicate with their children. These include emailing, on-line chatting in a private on-line chat room, instant messaging, interactive games that can be played by the parent and child at the same time from separate computers, or creating a personal website for your child including items such as scanning in the child's picture or report card. These methods of communication can supplement phone conversations. Anyone can use virtual visitation no matter if the parent and child live far away or if they live close to one another and it does not have to be court ordered, the parties just need to agree. Using this technology is a way to increase quality contacts and communications between a parent and child no matter where they live. Children need both parents in their lives and statistics have proven that they will fare better in life if given the opportunity to have a quality relationship with both parents.

  ** The above information is meant to be informative and educational only.