Talks about virtual visitation aren’t new, but virtual visitation as a viable option in child custody cases is becoming more realistic and more common every day.

First, you may be wondering just what virtual visitation is.
Many people think of it as the next best thing to seeing your children in person. When parents can’t have face-to-face visits, they can have visits electronically - via email, instant message, video chats, texting, and more.

Most commonly, it allows parents who live in different locations than their children to be more consistent presences in their lives. However, it has been an option for parents who are incarcerated, parents who can’t see their children because of domestic violence disputes, or simply to supplement in-person visits for parents living in or near the same locations as their children.

So, why is it a more viable option today? For several reasons, ranging from affordable technology to state legislation.

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Tifanne E. E. Wolter has joined the experienced staff of family law attorneys at St. Paul based firm Butler & Allen, P.A.

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“Court Gives Parental Rights a Boost” is a Pioneer Press article by Hannah Allam quoting Butler & Allen, P.A. partner Linda Allen.

Emphasizing the importance of parental rights, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Thursday that only in the most extraordinary circumstances should a child be removed from a surviving parent’s care if the other parent dies.
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