Joel Bernheim Says "Virtual Visitation" No Substitute for True Custody Rights

NEW YORK, NY, July 03, 2012

Divorce is an event that causes many changes in the lives of the affected families. Not only does a child have to learn that their parents will no longer live together, they must also adjust to challenging custody situations and disruption of routine. Other changes may involve one parent moving to another area of the country, making it more difficult for the child to maintain contact with their mother or father. A recent article from The Washington Times indicates that a growing number of states are allowing virtual visitation as a way to upkeep custody agreements between parents. These efforts are designed to allow parents to take part in daily communication with their removed child; however, Joel Bernheim feels that these situations are double-edged sword.

Technology has played a major part in the way people communicate all over the world. In fact, it has allowed citizens to talk to each other in real-time while being miles apart. While these advances may seem positive in the realm of global communication, they may be negative in terms of parental rights involving child custody. Many family courts have allowed for parents to incorporate virtual visitation into their custody plans; rather than missing out on a child's daily activity a parent may be allowed an allotted time to talk face-to-face with their child via webcam. In cases when the custody-holding parent moves, these innovations allow distant parents to talk to their child.

As noted in the article, virtual visitation is not meant to replace in-person interaction. Despite these claims, others feel that it may give mothers a solid and legal excuse to move further away from the father. The article backs these beliefs stating, "Within four years after separation or divorce, 75% of [single] mothers will relocate at least once, and of that number over half will do so again. As a result, close to 10 million children do not have regular face-to-face interaction with one of their parents."

While Joel Bernheim believes that virtual visitation is not a replacement for in-person visitation, he notes, "Using the promise of virtual visitation to get approval from the court to relocate is an insensitive and biased viewpoint." Instead of seeing these opportunities as a chance for a mother to move away from the non-custodial father, he sees virtual visitation as a chance for fathers to continue support of their child.

He concludes, "Oftentimes a family unit is relocated due to a job change - particularly in a weak economy such as this where jobs in general are scarce. If one factors in divorce, why should the non-custodial parent not relocate and be able to take advantage of technology to maintain a connection with their children? How else to support the custodial parent and children? This technology is a blessing and should be embraced."

ABOUT:

Stemming from his own challenges and legal experiences as a single father, Joel Bernheim is a leading voice in the fathers' rights movement. In addition to his outspoken activism and philanthropy, Bernheim also works within the asset receivables management industry. He currently is the Executive Vice-President of Operations at the Illinois Company Asset Recovery Solutions, LLC.

Website: http://joelbernheim.net