Virtual Visitation And Digital Co-Parenting: How Technology Is Changing Child Custody In Fort Lauderdale

Child custody in Fort Lauderdale has evolved dramatically over the years. The courts moved away from awarding custody to one parent to encouraging child time-sharing, allowing both parties to remain active in their child’s life.

Digital technology is increasingly vital in these cases and helps keep parents connected with their children today. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains how virtual visitation and digital co-parenting work and common legal issues to consider.

What is Virtual Visitation And How Does it Impact Fort Lauderdale Custody Cases

Florida Family Courts generally encourage child time-sharing in cases of divorced or separated parents. Parenting plans dictate the amount of time each party spends with their child.

When negotiating these arrangements, busy work schedules, the distance between the two parties’ homes, and other issues can complicate matters. Virtual visitation can help in these cases and refers to digital tools that help maintain communication between a parent and child when they cannot be together in person.

Under the Florida Statutes, courts recognize virtual visitation as a legitimate part of a parenting plan. While using technology to interact with your child from a distance does not replace in-person time, it can help strengthen the parent-child relationship between scheduled physical visits. Common virtual visitation tools used by parents in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing cases include:

• Video call or conference apps, such as Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet;
• Texting and messaging apps, such as WhatsApp or Messenger;
• Social media, in which older children and teens may engage with parents through social media updates and messages;
• Online gaming, which can be a fun bonding activity.

It is important to note that virtual visitation is not automatically included in parenting plans. It must be negotiated as part of Fort Lauderdale child custody proceedings.

Addressing Legal Issues With Virtual Visitation In Fort Lauderdale

When negotiating virtual visitation as part of a Fort Lauderdale parenting plan, setting clear guidelines to protect your parental rights is crucial. We help clients address potential legal issues, which include:

• Adding Virtual Visitation in Your Parenting Plan: Your agreement should specify when and how digital visits will occur.
• Establish a Schedule: Virtual visitation should happen at set times, ensuring consistency for the child.
• Outline Acceptable Methods of Communication: Define which platforms get used and what level of access each parent will have.
• Prevent Parental Interference: If one parent tries blocking or manipulating virtual visits, you may be entitled to request modifications to protect your parental rights.

Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney

Virtual visitation is not a substitute for regular parenting time but can be a helpful addition. To effectively negotiate these arrangements, or if the other parent refuses to comply with an existing Broward County Family Court order, schedule a consultation with Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney Sandra Bonfiglio.

Our office can help in negotiating virtual visitation as part of your parenting plan while addressing any issues that arise as a result. For trusted, local legal representation, call or contact us online today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13003.html#

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family