If you are a divorced or separated parent in Centennial, you may have wondered whether video calls with your child count toward your official parenting time. This question comes up often, especially for parents who travel for work, live far from their child, or have a schedule that makes in-person visits harder. Understanding how Colorado courts view virtual visitation can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary conflict with your co-parent.
If you are unsure how virtual visitation fits into your parenting plan, do not wait to get answers. Call (303) 647-4245 or fill out our online contact form today to talk with a Centennial family law attorney about your situation.
What Is Virtual Visitation
Virtual visitation means using video calls, phone calls, texting, or other digital tools to stay connected with your child. It is often used in addition to in-person time, not instead of it. Common tools include video chat apps, phone calls, and even shared photo or messaging apps that let a parent stay part of a child's daily life.
Virtual visitation became more common as technology improved and more families found themselves living apart due to work, relocation, or other life changes. It is especially helpful for parents who live in different cities or states. It can also help during weeks when a planned visit falls through due to illness, weather, or a work conflict.
How Colorado Courts View Virtual Visitation
In Colorado, the term "child custody" has been replaced with "parental responsibilities," which cover two main parts. The first part is decision-making authority, which involves choices about a child's health, education, and general welfare. The second part is parenting time, which is the actual schedule of time a child spends with each parent.
Virtual visitation is usually treated as a supplement to parenting time, not a replacement for it. Colorado family courts generally want children to have real, in-person time with both parents whenever that is safe and possible. Video calls can help maintain a bond between visits, but they typically do not count toward the hours or overnights used to calculate the parenting time schedule.
That said, courts do recognize the value of virtual contact, particularly in certain situations. Judges may formally include virtual visitation terms in a parenting plan, especially when:
- One parent lives far away and cannot see the child as often as they would like
- A parent travels frequently for work or military service
- The child is old enough to benefit from staying in touch through calls or messages between visits
- Adding a virtual contact would help reduce conflict by giving both parents clear expectations
Even though these video calls are not usually counted the same as overnight or daytime parenting time, having them written into your parenting plan gives both parents a clear structure to follow.
Why Virtual Visitation Terms Matter in a Parenting Plan
Some parents assume that virtual visitation is simply something they can arrange informally with the other parent. While informal arrangements can work when both parents get along well, they can fall apart quickly if trust breaks down. Having specific terms in your parenting plan protects your relationship with your child no matter what happens later.
A written plan can spell out details that prevent confusion or arguments down the road. Clear terms remove the guesswork and give both parents something to point back to if a disagreement comes up.
What to Include When Requesting Virtual Visitation Terms
If you want virtual visitation written into your parenting plan, it helps to think through the details before going to court or negotiating with your co-parent. Specific, realistic terms are more likely to be followed and less likely to cause conflict later. Consider addressing the following in your request:
- How often virtual visits should happen, such as daily, a few times a week, or on specific days
- What time of day the calls should take place, keeping the child's school and bedtime schedule in mind
- How long each virtual visit should last
- Which devices or apps will be used, especially if privacy or safety is a concern
- What happens if a scheduled virtual visit is missed, and how it will be rescheduled
Including these details helps set the relationship up for success. It also gives a judge something concrete to review if the parents cannot agree and the court needs to step in.
Can Virtual Visitation Replace In-Person Parenting Time
In most cases, no. Colorado courts generally believe that face-to-face contact matters for a child's development and sense of security. Virtual visitation is meant to add to that connection, not take its place.
There are exceptions, though. In situations involving significant distance, deployment, or other circumstances that make in-person visits temporarily impossible, virtual visitation may serve as the main form of contact for a period of time. Even then, courts usually expect in-person time to resume once circumstances allow.
When You Might Need a Modification
Life changes, and a parenting plan that worked well a year ago might not fit your family's current situation. If your work schedule has changed, if you have moved, or if your child's needs have shifted, it may be time to look at updating your existing parenting time and virtual visitation terms.
A modification is a formal request to change an existing court order. Colorado law generally requires a significant change in circumstances before a court will approve a modification to parenting time. Some common reasons parents seek modifications related to virtual visitation include:
- A parent relocating for a new job or family reason
- A child getting older and being ready for more independent phone or video contact
- A parent's work travel schedule changing significantly
- Ongoing problems with the other parent not honoring the current virtual visitation terms
If informal conversations with your co-parent are not resolving the issue, a formal modification request can put clear, enforceable terms back in place.
How a Centennial Family Law Attorney Can Help
Navigating parenting time questions, including how virtual visitation fits into the bigger picture, can feel overwhelming without guidance. A Centennial family law attorney can review your current parenting plan, explain your options, and help you put together a request that reflects your child's best interests and your family's real-life schedule.
Whether you are creating a parenting plan for the first time, adding virtual visitation terms, or requesting a modification, having clear and enforceable language matters. It reduces the chance of future disputes and gives both parents and your child a dependable routine to count on.
Talk to a Centennial Family Law Attorney About Your Parenting Time
Questions about child custody, visitation, and virtual contact with your child do not have to be figured out alone. Law Office of Alexandra White, PC works with parents throughout Centennial to build parenting plans and pursue modifications that reflect their family's needs. Call (303) 647-4245 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a consultation and talk through your options.