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 Rhode Island, while there may not be specific statutes that explicitly address virtual visitation, family courts have the discretion to include virtual visitation as a component of a child custody arrangement. The courts typically base their decisions on the best interest of the child standard, which is the overarching principle in all child custody matters. If a non-custodial parent lives far away or has work commitments that involve extensive travel, a judge may determine that virtual visitation is an appropriate way to maintain and support the parent-child relationship. This can include video calls, messaging, and other forms of electronic communication. The specifics of the arrangement, such as the frequency and duration of virtual visits, would be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the child's age, the parents' technology access, and the existing parent-child relationship.