I have recently given out this information to several long distance parents and it’s helpful stuff. Did you know that Utah and Wisconsin have laws on the books that require a judge to consider virtual visitation as part of a long distance parenting arrangement? Of course, this wouldn’t be used to substitute for in-person parenting time which is another thing that the laws help with.

There are bills in several other states including Illinois, Virginia, Missouri and Ohio and there is pre-bill activity in several other states.

You can find a complete list of all of the states here as well as sample letters that you can use to write to senators and state representatives in your state to support these bills.

When getting a divorce, there are a million things to consider. Add custody to the mix.. and the possibility of having a distance relationship between one of the parents and the child and you have a virtual circus on your hands. Here are some things to remember in your long distance divorce and custody agreement.

Make it what you want

Your divorce agreement and parenting plan can include just about anything that you want it to include as long as either A. both parents agree to include it or B. If the other parent disputes it, the judge says it should be there. The thing to remember is that this agreement, once made will be very difficult – if not impossible to change.

MAKE SURE that you read, re-read and read again every single line before you sign anything. Make sure that you have considered every item as well as possible and that you agree with everything there. Should disagreements arise between yourself and your futuer ex-spouse, try to negotiate by adding or taking away conditions that make it more pleasant for them. Use other items that arent as important to barter with. Always with the frame of mind of coming to a common ground. Should that be impossible to do, consider going to mediation.

Remember what’s important

The child! In the thick of things, it’s easy to get caught up in how horrible the other parent is and how much you dislike them or how hurt you are by… (More)