[tag-tec]Internet visitation[/tag-tec] is a legally enforcable adjunct to child custody arrangements since the Wisconsin legislature passed an “internet visitation” bill into law late January. A welcome move towards grappling with current divorce realities, the law raises some interesting practical questions.

A note on the Iowa Family Law blog says that electronic communication may be used only to supplement, and not as a substitute or replacement for, a child’s [tag-self]physical placement with a parent[/tag-self]. It also has to be in the child’s best interests, and when the necessary equipment “is reasonably available to both parents”.

I wonder about the effects of implementing such an arrangement when one parent has [tag-ice]custody[/tag-ice]. Theoretically it sounds great. But even within two-parent families, nerves and tempers can stretch when kids spend ‘all their time’ chatting on one or other of the myriad Internet-based communication channels.

“Get off that @#$% computer and do your homework!” “No, I’m talking to Mom/Dad and I’m allowed to!”

Or, “What do you mean I haven’t spent time with you? We were on MSN last week!”

Or, “Even if I move to the far end of the country, you’ll still have access to the kids over the Internet whenever you want…”

When the split has been relatively amicable, it will probably work. But when couples can’t even agree on a safe meeting place to exchange children for physical visits, methinks the potential for another straw for the camel’s back is fairly large.

Anyone with experience of [tag]Internet visitation rights[/tag] yet? I’d love to hear how it’s working…

Divorce Endangered by Online Social Networking!

Filed under: Divorce

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