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 Utah, virtual visitation is recognized by state statutes as a form of child visitation. Utah was one of the first states to enact legislation specifically addressing virtual visitation, which is also known as electronic communication or electronic visitation. Under Utah law, courts have the authority to grant noncustodial parents the right to electronic communication with their children in addition to regular in-person visitation. This can include communication via video calls, instant messaging, and email, among other forms of electronic communication. The primary consideration for the court in granting virtual visitation is the best interest of the child, which is the standard used in all child custody and visitation matters. The court will also consider factors such as the availability of the necessary technology, the parents' ability to facilitate virtual visitation, and whether virtual visitation would serve as a supplement to regular visitation rather than a replacement. Virtual visitation is particularly useful when parents live far apart or when circumstances such as work-related travel limit a parent's ability to have in-person visitation.