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Virtual visitation is a chance for families of divorce to take advantage of the technology available today. Through virtual visitation, a parent and child can have a connection and visit with each other via Internet.
Advocates of virtual visitation want states to create a law where judges can make it apart of a divorce agreement. Supporters of virtual visitation argue that noncustodial parents are more likely to pay child support regularly if they can stay in touch with the child. Also, Internet visits can help keep children from getting caught in the middle of bickering parents.
In 2004, the state of Utah made virtual visitations an option. Since then, lawmakers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Virginia have introduced proposals for the new form of child and parent visitations.
There are critics of the virtual visitations who fear that it will be used as a substitute for real visitations altogether. Also, these critics fear that judges will use these virtual visitations as justification for ordering fewer real visits.
While most judges can order virtual visitation already, they hesitate because it is not addressed in the laws. Also, many lawyers are reluctant to fight for it for the same reason. Virtual visitation has many supporters although many lawyers say that while they try to push for it, it is more difficult than they think, because it simply is not a law in many states.
Many lawyers say that although there is no court order or formal court agreement, many divorced parents are using this form of visitation already.