Virtual visitation is a form of visitation in child custody arrangements, and relies on videoconferencing, videotelephony, and other technology to maintain the parent-child relationship when the parent and child are separated by significant distances. Virtual visitation may be a viable option for at least some visitation when the child lives in another city, town, or state with the custodial parent, or when one parent travels for work and is away from home for extended periods. Although virtual visitation has its limitations, some states have passed laws (statutes) that allow courts to order online/electronic/internet/virtual visitation. And some courts in states without specific laws on virtual visitation have considered or ordered it, based on the overarching standard of what is in the best interest of the child.

In Maryland, while there is no specific statute that explicitly addresses virtual visitation, courts have the discretion to include virtual visitation as a component of a child custody arrangement. Maryland courts focus on the best interest of the child when making custody decisions, which can include the use of technology to facilitate communication between a parent and child when they are geographically separated. This means that if a parent requests virtual visitation and can demonstrate that it is in the best interest of the child, a Maryland court may include provisions for video calls, messaging, or other forms of electronic communication in the custody order. The court will consider factors such as the age of the child, the child's schedule, the distance between the parent and child, and the existing relationship between the parent and child when determining whether to grant virtual visitation rights.