Texas Family Code Sec.. 153.0015 - "Electronic Communication with Child by Conservator" allows for parent conservators to visit with their child/children via video, email and other electronic means. Under the family code provision, "electronic communication"... "means any communication facilitated by the use of any wired or wireless technology via the Internet or any other electronic media. The term includes communication facilitated by the use of a telephone, electronic mail, instant messaging, videoconferencing, or web cam." See Sec. 153.0015 Tex. Fam. Code, or for complete text, visit: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/

Visitation by Electronic Means Through E-mail or WebCam

In determining the award or order for "electronic communication," the court has to look to certain factors, to include:

(1) whether electronic communication is in the best interest of the child;
(2) whether equipment necessary to facilitate the electronic communication is reasonably available to all parties subject to the order; and
(3) any other factor the court considers appropriate.

Texas has certainly gone high-tech in terms of allowing electronic visitation by conservator parents either as joint or possessory conservators. With the busy lifestyles in today's households, and sometimes the distance that separated or divorced parents may be residing, the law has adapted to meeting these visitation needs.

Although it may be convenient, the Texas Legislature has meant this provision in the Texas Family Code to act as a supplement to visitation and not to replace actual physical visitation.

From a child's and parent-child relationship standpoint, there's still no substitute for physical visitation.

If you are a parent conservator, and wish to modify your existing custody or visitation order, feel free to contact a family law attorney at the Lorenzana Law Firm, P.C.

visit our family law page at: http://www.lorenzanalegal.com/practice_areas/family_law.html