Virtual Visitation Law In Wisconsin

The Wisconsin legislature recently passed a bill addressing virtual visitation. (If you are unfamiliar with the concept of virtual visitation, see this post.)

According to a summary published by the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, the bill provides that electronic communication may be used only to supplement -- not replace -- physical visitation. The bill also prohibits a court from considering the availability of electronic communication as a factor in support of custody changes or in support of approval of a custodial parent's relocation.

Why should you care? For on thing, this law could be used as persuasive authority if you have a dispute involving virtual visitation. For example, if the other party argues that the availability of video conferencing supports a relocation request you can point out that the Wisconsin legislature carefully considered and rejected that suggestion because it would be bad public policy.

Thanks to the Iowa Family Law Blog for reporting this development.