Many families in Illinois face significant challenges when parents live in separate households. We have seen how work schedules, school commitments, and long distances can interfere with consistent parent-child contact. Virtual visitation has become an important tool for maintaining strong connections, especially when traditional parenting schedules do not allow daily interaction. As divorce attorneys serving families throughout Chicago, we understand how meaningful it is for parents to preserve frequent communication with their children. Illinois law recognizes this need, and courts now support technology-based contact when it serves a child’s best interests.
How Illinois Law Addresses Virtual Visitation
Illinois created legal authority for electronic communication between a parent and child through 750 ILCS 5/602.10(f)(11), which allows courts to grant “electronic communication” as part of a parenting plan or parenting-time order. This statute covers video calls, phone calls, email, text messages, and other technology-based communication.
It is important to understand what virtual visitation is, and what it is not. Under the statute, electronic communication supplements, rather than replacing, in-person visitation. Courts must evaluate whether electronic contact supports the child’s well-being and whether it enhances the parent-child relationship. When we work with clients, we explain that the court will review factors such as each parent’s ability to provide equipment, the child’s age, and whether electronic communication could interfere with routines or school responsibilities.
When Virtual Visitation Is Most Helpful For Chicago Families
Virtual visitation makes a difference in cases where one parent lives far from Chicago, has a demanding work schedule, or faces temporary barriers to regular visitation. Parents who travel for work often rely on scheduled video calls to stay involved with schoolwork, daily routines, and emotional support. Children benefit as well, because consistent communication helps reduce stress and strengthen family stability during a divorce transition.
We have also seen virtual visitation used in Illinois cases involving supervised parenting time. In these situations, courts may order electronic communication with specific conditions to ensure safety. Virtual contact can also play an important role where parents share joint decision-making responsibilities and need frequent, child-focused discussions.
Creating Virtual Visitation Terms In An Illinois Parenting Plan
Virtual visitation must be clearly defined in a parenting plan to prevent disputes. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.10, parents are required to include parenting time, communication expectations, and other provisions within a written agreement. We often help parents draft terms that specify:
- The platforms allowed for communication
- The schedule for virtual visits
- Responsibilities for providing devices or internet access
- Rules about privacy and supervision
- How missed virtual visits should be handled
When a court evaluates virtual visitation requests, the judge will consider whether the proposed communication supports the child’s emotional health and does not undermine the other parent’s parenting time. Clear, detailed provisions reduce conflict and allow parents to maintain consistent involvement in their child’s life.
Legal And Practical Issues Parents Should Understand
Although virtual visitation is widely accepted, it comes with legal responsibilities. For example, parents are prohibited from using electronic communication to interfere with the other parent’s parenting time or to monitor activity in the other household. Courts take misuse seriously, and violations can affect future parenting-time decisions under 750 ILCS 5/610.5, which governs modifications of parenting plans.
Parents must also respect boundaries. Virtual visitation is not intended for excessive calling, unannounced video chats, or conversations that disrupt homework, bedtime, or daily routines. We encourage parents to set healthy expectations early to avoid misunderstandings.
From a practical standpoint, technical issues, such as poor internet connections, lost devices, or software challenges, should be addressed in advance. We often recommend that parents keep a backup communication method in case technological problems arise.
Why Virtual Visitation Supports Stronger Parent-Child Bonds
When used appropriately, virtual visitation helps maintain continuity in a child’s life. Children feel more supported when they can check in regularly with both parents, even if circumstances limit in-person visits. Parents also stay more engaged in day-to-day activities, from helping with school assignments to reading bedtime stories. Courts recognize these benefits, which is why virtual communication has become a common component of Illinois parenting plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Visitation In Illinois
Can A Parent Refuse To Allow Virtual Visitation If It Is Court-Ordered?
No. If virtual visitation is part of a court-ordered parenting plan, both parents must comply. Under 750 ILCS 5/607.5, interference with parenting time, including electronic communication, can result in court penalties. A parent cannot block calls, restrict device access, or create obstacles to virtual contact. Courts may impose fines, make-up visitation, or modify the parenting plan if interference becomes a pattern. When disputes arise, parents should document missed calls or attempts to communicate and seek legal guidance to enforce the order properly.
Does Virtual Visitation Reduce A Parent’s In-Person Parenting Time?
Virtual visitation is intended as a supplement, not a replacement. Illinois law is clear that electronic communication cannot be used to justify reducing a parent’s physical parenting time. Courts will not allow a parent to claim that frequent video calls eliminate the need for in-person visits. Instead, the law supports virtual communication as a way to maintain regular connection, especially between scheduled visits. Parents should view it as a supportive tool, not a substitute for meaningful, face-to-face parenting.
What Happens If Technology Problems Prevent A Scheduled Virtual Visit?
Courts understand that technical difficulties occur, but they expect both parents to act in good faith to resolve them. A missed call due to internet failure or device issues should be rescheduled within a reasonable time. Parents should communicate with one another promptly so there is no misunderstanding about whether the call was intentionally prevented. Persistent issues may require revising the parenting plan to clarify responsibilities, secure better equipment, or establish alternate communication options.
Can Virtual Visitation Be Modified If It Is Not Working Well For The Child?
Yes. Parenting plans can be modified under 750 ILCS 5/610.5 when there is a change in circumstances or when modification is necessary to serve the child’s best interests. If virtual visitation interferes with schoolwork, sleep routines, or emotional well-being, the court may adjust the schedule or conditions. Parents should document concerns and discuss them with an attorney to determine whether modification is appropriate. Judges prioritize what serves the child’s overall development and stability.
Are There Age Restrictions For Virtual Visitation In Illinois?
There are no legal age limits, but courts consider a child’s maturity and ability to participate. Younger children may require shorter, more frequent calls, while older children may prefer flexible schedules. Parenting plans often address supervision needs and screen time limits. When we assist parents in crafting these provisions, we tailor the structure to the child’s developmental stage so communication remains positive and manageable.
Call Michael C. Craven For Guidance On Virtual Visitation Issues
If you are facing questions about virtual visitation, parenting plans, or enforcing communication rights, our team can help you understand your options under Illinois law. We work closely with parents in Chicago to protect their relationships with their children and create parenting plans that support stability and emotional well-being.
Contact our Chicago divorce attorney today by calling (312) 621-5234 to schedule a free consultation. Our firm represents clients throughout the city of Chicago and is ready to assist you with all issues involving parenting time and virtual communication.
