Electronic Communication: Tips for Divorced Parents and a Child
Summer possession and access can be a challenge for a child of divorced parents due to the amount of time a child is away from the other parent. It’s important that parents allow a child the freedom to communicate with the other parent during these times.
Consider the following language that can be included in a court order to optimize communication between a parent and a child:
For purposes of this order, the term "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 webcam.
Mom and Dad shall have daily electronic communication with the child to supplement their periods of possession as follows: the parent not in possession of the child shall have electronic communication with the child daily and the parent in possession shall make the child available to talk at that time.
Mom and Dad shall –
a. provide the other parent with the cellular telephone number, e-mail addresses, and other electronic communication access information of the child not later than twenty-four (24) hours after that information becomes available;
b. notify the other parent of any change in the e-mail address(es) or other electronic communication access information not later than twenty-four hours after the date the change takes effect;
c. if necessary equipment is reasonably available, accommodate electronic communication with the child with the same privacy, respect, and dignity accorded all other forms of access, at a reasonable time and for a reasonable duration subject to any limitation provided in this decree;
d. facilitate charging the child’s cellular telephone, IPAD or other electronic devices that the child might have to communicate with the other conservator; and
e. provide the child with privacy to communicate with the other conservator.
“Electronic devices can be used to enhance lives,
but they can be used to destroy lives as well. Choose wisely.”