Developments in technology bring many benefits; the ability to video chat — or Skype — with your long distance loved one is just one of them. So how does these perks affect a pending divorce and child custody, if at all? Through ”Virtual visitation.” A term that didn’t exist until fairly recently, it refers to using webcams and Skype to create a virtual environment in which distant parents can connect with their children.
At one time, divorced parents splitting custody of their children were required to live within relatively close distance so that the kids could spend time with both parents. Things have changed. Recently, a New York case judge granted a divorced mother’s request for permission to move with her three children to Florida, despite the fact that the children’s father lived in New York. As a condition of the moveaway order, the mother had to agree to allow the children to visit with their father via Skype. The judge noted that economic conditions justified the move, as the parents’ house was underwater, employment prospects were dim, and the mother had supportive family in Florida.
If you have children and are considering a divorce, this might sound like a less than ideal situation, especially if your soon-to-be-ex spouse is threatening to move across the country, or even the state. It is very important that you take a proactive approach and work with an experienced divorce lawyer in building a case around why you need to keep your kids close to you.
The knowledgable family law attorneys at Foresight Legal Group have handled many divorces and understand what judges look for when granting child custody. Call Foresight Legal Group today.
