Virtual visitation makes use of tools such as video conferencing, Web cams, and other technologies that are built into FamilySpace. These tools are used to augment and complement face-to-face visits and phone contacts between non custodial parents and their children. This Website is NOT meant to replace face-to-face time with your child. Nor is it means to justify a move away. Parents who stay in touch with their kids virtually report that it is much, much more satisfying than the sometimes, rushed telephone calls that sadly happen too often between a long distance parent and child.

We live in extraordinarily mobile and technological society where e-mail and instant messaging seem to be second hand. Many divorced parents today already use e-mail, instant messaging and other tools as a means of staying in touch with their children. We developed this Web site that will keep all of these tools in one location. All secure and easy to use, there is no software to install and nothing to download.

How Does Virtual Visitation Work?

Virtual visits are fairly simple and all you need is the following:

• A computer (PC or Mac will do)
• A Web Browser
  (Internet Explorer - FireFox - Netscape)
• A Web cam
• A microphone
• High speed Internet or Broadband connection
• Two parents who are willing to support virtual visits.

Once you have the technology in place, you need a plan to carry out your virtual visitation. If at all possible, make virtual visitation a part of your final court orders. Currently in the United States, 4 states have passed Virtual Visitation bills - Utah, Wisconsin, Texas, and Florida. There are bills pending in 7 states and are legislative efforts in 26 states.

If you aren't able to include virtual visits in your court orders, work for an informal agreement with your co-parent. Set up times to connect with your child, and then do it. If you schedule a virtual visit, make sure you keep your word. One of the quickest ways to ruin this process is to not show up.