Whether you are going to be on an extended work trip or your child will be spending the summer living with your former partner, long-distance parenting can become difficult. Whatever the circumstances, if you and your child will be living apart for a while, it is wise to develop a “virtual visitation plan” in advance.
Creating an enforceable agreement is particularly important if your co-parent is not consistently reliable about adhering to the current parenting schedule. This can help parents and children remain part of each other’s lives despite physical distance. Virtual visitation generally relies on FaceTime or other video chat platforms. It may also include phone calls, texts and communications through social media. You can have a “watch party” on Netflix or play an online game together. There are a multitude of ways to stay in touch and activities to share online. The visitation is bound to go more smoothly, however, when there is a framework that spells out the details and establishes expectations.
A virtual visitation plan should typically include details such as:
- How often the parent and child will communicate
- The acceptable times for communication (or times that are unacceptable)
- What method(s) will be used for virtual visitation
- Who will initiate the communication
- How much notice a parent has to give if they or the child must reschedule
- How soon the visit needs to be rescheduled if it has to be missed
- Whether the parent caring for the child at time of visitation will be present
- Whether the long-distance parent can communicate with the child outside of the scheduled visits
- Potential consequences if a parent repeatedly fails to follow the plan
Generally, older children and teens can manage these visitations on their own. Younger ones will require some parental supervision. However, the parents are still responsible for complying with the plan’s terms. Including older children and teens in developing the virtual visitation plan can help ensure it fits their schedules.
This may seem like a lot of unnecessary detail if you and your co-parent have an amicable relationship. However, having a defined plan can create a reliable routine for your child and lessen the likelihood of conflict. Whether or not you choose to make the plan legally binding, an attorney’s guidance can help ensure that it is comprehensive and will meet your needs.
Bryan L. Salamone and Associates P.C. represents Long Island parents in custody and visitation matters. You can make an appointment to discuss your issue by calling 631-388-6009 or contact us online.