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 Pennsylvania, while there is no specific statute that explicitly addresses virtual visitation, courts have the discretion to include virtual visitation as a component of a custody order if it serves the best interest of the child. The standard for any custody decision in Pennsylvania is what will best assure the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs while encouraging and permitting contact with both parents. Virtual visitation, which can include video calls, messaging, and other forms of electronic communication, may be considered by the court as a way to facilitate this contact, especially when parents live far apart or one parent has a work schedule that involves significant travel. The court will consider various factors, including the age and maturity of the child, the feasibility of the technology being used, and the existing relationship between the parent and child, to determine if virtual visitation is appropriate. It's important for parents to note that virtual visitation is typically used to supplement, not replace, in-person visitation.