Deciding to divorce in a Tennessee court is obviously a serious issue. If you have children, their best interests are undoubtedly your main priority. You and your spouse hopefully still get along well enough that you can expect to achieve an amicable co-parenting agreement. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter challenges along the way, as many parents who have navigated the process before you can likely attest.
Child custody issues can arise at any time pre-divorce or after the court has finalized your settlement. The more clearly you understand state laws ahead of time and how quickly you are able to access support when needed are key factors toward successful conflict resolution. An issue that has become increasingly important in many Tennessee custody cases is virtual visitation.
Do you know what it is?
You may have already thought through various potential incidents regarding custody and visitation issues in your divorce. Perhaps you and your spouse agree on where your kids should live but are having trouble devising a visitation schedule because the two of you are going to reside a great distance apart. Virtual visitation may come into play. The following list helps explain this visitation tool:
- In-person time with both parents is critical to your children’s well-being; however, it may not always be possible. Virtual visitation allows parents to spend time with their children via digital means.
- You may choose to use Skype, FaceTime or some other application to have a video chat with your children or to provide them access to their other parent.
- Not all states have laws pertaining directly to virtual visitation, so it is important to make sure you seek clarification about this issue regarding Tennessee regulations before heading to court.
- Virtual visitation is not to replace in-person parent time.
- Expenses associated with virtual visitation, such as internet fees or costs for tablets, cell phones or computers, may impact child support agreements.
If your child is staying at the other parent’s house and you won’t see him or her for weeks, you can still read a bedtime story and share time together via virtual visitation. This type of networking feels a bit more personal than a mere phone conversation or text.
If you encounter legal issues regarding the matter, you can reach out for experienced guidance support, as this form of visitation is rather new compared to more traditional styles of agreements.