Virtual Visitation: Part 2 – Legal Aspects

In the second part of a two part series, Attorney Robert Mues looks at the legal aspects of Virtual Visitation.

visit2.jpgOhio Revised Code Section 3109.051(A) provides, in part, that, “Whenever possible, the order or decree permitting the parenting time shall ensure the opportunity for both parents to have frequent and continuing contact with the child, unless frequent and continuing contact by either parent with the child would not be in the best interest of the child.” In 2006, a bill was introduced in the Ohio Senate to allow Juvenile or Domestic Relations Courts to grant a reasonable amount of “electronic communication” between a parent and a child so long as the electronic communication was in the child’s best interest and the equipment was readily available. In Senate Bill 341, electronic communications was defined as “communication facilitated by the use of methods of communication such as the telephone, electronic mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, or other wired or wireless technologies via the internet, or another medium of communication that allows a party who has been granted parenting time, companionship, or visitation rights to communicate with a child during times in which the child is not physically present with the party.” While … Read More... “Virtual Visitation: Part 2 – Legal Aspects”

Virtual Visitation: Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time

In the first of a two part series, Attorney Robert Mues examines Virtual Visitation and the different options a divorced parent can use to communicate with their children. Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time.

visit1.jpgNot too long ago, divorced parents had limited communication options to stay in touch with their children.  The old rushed and often dry “phone call approach” was better than nothing but had drawbacks.  There were long distance phone charges and issues with time zones.  New communication options have improved considerably! It is much easier for you to keep in touch with your children after a divorce.  Most of these approaches require both parents to have a computer with broadband connections.  Here are some options to supplement traditional face to face parenting time:

Cell Phones: Many companies are selling cell phones designed specifically for kids which feature built in parental controls to restrict incoming and outgoing calls or text messages.  Check out firefly mobile, LG Migo from Verizon Wireless and Kajeet (), which also includes a GPS phone locator service allowing a parent to find out where the phone is at various times of the day.

Email: Email features have expanded so it’s easy … Read More... “Virtual Visitation: Part 1 – Utilizing Technology to Supplement Parenting Time”

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