Child custody and visitation are usually among the most vexing problems divorced parents face. Even when there’s a plan in place, things can still come up unexpectedly and make visitation plans go awry.
What can you do if you can’t make your visitation with your child because you’re sick, they’re sick, you’ve been called out of town on business or the snow has closed down the roads?
Consider virtual visitation for a temporary solution
If you and your ex have a good co-parenting relationship, you may be able to move your visitation time to another day. If that’s not possible (or you simply don’t want to wait), virtual visitation might be the best solution to a temporary problem.
In these days of technological wonders, you have several options that could work:
- Phone calls: While you may prefer to see your child’s face, liberal use of the phone can still allow you and your child to chat and spend some quality time together.
- Email: If your child is old enough to use email, you can swap stories, stay in touch and express your deepest thoughts on a subject that way.
- Video calls: Skype, Zoom and Facetime are all commonly used for video calls. They aren’t hard to use, and you can even read your child a bedtime story that way.
- Social media: If all else fails, even trading a few comments and memes on social media can ease the pain of not seeing your child in person.
It’s important that your co-parent be as unrestrictive as possible with your available methods of maintaining contact with your child. Indeed, unless they are needed to operate the phone or computer for your child, they should respect your privacy during your virtual visitation.
Consider alternatives if there are long-term custody and visitation issues
If your entire situation has changed dramatically or your co-parent is unreasonable and uncooperative about alternative methods of contact with your child, it may be time to revisit the custody and parenting plan you have in place.
An experienced Chicago attorney can help you better understand your options and the steps to take next.