Virtual Visitation Isn’t Going Anywhere: A Guide To Navigating Remote Parenting Time

When the world first turned to video calls as a lifeline, no one expected Zoom and FaceTime to become permanent fixtures in family law. Yet here we are in 2025, and “virtual visitation” isn’t just a temporary solution; it’s an essential tool for modern parenting plans. For divorced or separated parents, technology now plays a central role in maintaining meaningful connections between children and both parents, no matter the miles in between.

But with opportunity comes questions: How do you make sure virtual parenting time works for your family? What rights and responsibilities come with this kind of arrangement? And how can you keep your child’s best interests front and center?

Below, our friends from Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. discuss virtual visitation and provide a guide to remote parenting time.

Why Virtual Visitation Matters

Life looks different today than it did even a decade ago. Parents may relocate for work, live across state lines, or juggle demanding schedules. Virtual visitation helps bridge those gaps by allowing kids to keep a consistent presence of both parents in their lives. Unlike the occasional phone call, video chats bring more immediacy and intimacy—bedtime stories, homework help, and even quick “how was your day?” moments feel closer to in-person interactions.

Courts are recognizing this, too. In many custody arrangements, virtual visitation isn’t just an option; it’s a standard part of parenting plans. Judges understand that while nothing replaces face-to-face parenting, virtual visitation helps maintain strong bonds when distance is a factor.

Making Virtual Parenting Time Work

Of course, a successful virtual visitation plan requires more than just handing a child an iPad. Here are a few considerations parents should keep in mind:

• Set a schedule. Treat virtual time like in-person visits. Agree on regular days and times so kids know when to expect these calls. Consistency builds trust.
• Respect boundaries. Virtual visitation shouldn’t be used to “drop in” whenever convenient for one parent. Both sides need to respect each other’s routines and responsibilities.
• Keep it kid-focused. A video call should feel natural and engaging for your child. Think bedtime stories, helping with school projects, or sharing a fun activity, rather than grilling them about the other parent’s household.
• Mind the tech. Reliable Wi-Fi, good audio, and a quiet environment can make or break the experience. Courts expect both parents to cooperate on providing reasonable access to technology.

Legal Considerations

Courts across the U.S. increasingly recognize virtual visitation as part of a parenting plan, but it’s important to understand that it’s not meant to replace physical custody or in-person parenting time. Instead, it usually serves as a supplement—a way for children to stay connected between scheduled visits, holidays, or extended breaks.

Parents also share responsibilities in making this work. For example, if the parenting plan includes regular video calls, both parties are expected to make reasonable efforts to ensure those calls happen. That could mean setting aside quiet time, maintaining reliable technology, and helping the child feel comfortable during the interaction.

Tips For Parents Navigating Virtual Visitation

• Create rituals. Maybe you always read a chapter of a book together or play an online game. Rituals give kids something to look forward to.
• Stay flexible. Life happens—soccer games, late work meetings, or tech glitches. Flexibility keeps the focus on connection rather than conflict.
• Be present. Give your child your full attention during virtual time. Multitasking sends the wrong message.
• Communicate with your co-parent. Keeping communication open about schedules, expectations, and changes helps reduce tension.

Staying Connected In The Digital Age

Virtual visitation is no longer a “backup plan”; it’s here to stay. For families navigating divorce or separation, it can be a powerful way to keep both parents actively involved in their child’s daily life. The key is approaching it with intention, cooperation, and a commitment to your child’s emotional well-being. If you have questions about virtual or in-person visitation, a child custody lawyer can provide legal advice and guidance.