Family law is evolving quickly, and one area that has gained new importance in recent years is virtual parenting time. As technology makes it easier for parents and children to stay connected across distances, courts are increasingly including video calls, messaging, and other digital interactions in custody arrangements. But what happens if one parent consistently ignores or interferes with these virtual visits? Could that actually lead to being held in contempt of court?
The short answer: yes, in many cases it can. Below, our friends from Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. discuss what you need to know about how courts are approaching this issue in 2025.
Virtual Parenting Orders Carry Real Weight
When a court issues a parenting plan, whether it involves in-person visits or digital ones, it is a legally binding order. Many parents still think of virtual visitation as “optional” or “less important” than in-person time, but that’s not how most courts see it anymore.
If your parenting plan specifies that your child gets a nightly video call with their other parent, or that you must facilitate FaceTime during holidays, that requirement carries the same weight as in-person visits. Interfering with those calls, or refusing to make them happen, can put you at risk of violating a court order.
What Contempt Means In Family Law
Contempt of court occurs when someone willfully disobeys a court order. In the context of family law, this often comes up with unpaid child support or denied visitation. Now, virtual parenting time has been added to the list.
If a parent continually blocks or avoids digital contact, say, by “forgetting” to log into Zoom, turning off devices, or creating excuses, the other parent may file a motion for contempt. Judges can then decide whether the interference was intentional and if penalties should apply.
Consequences for contempt may include:
- Fines or monetary sanctions.
- Make-up parenting time (extra virtual or in-person contact).
- Attorney’s fees for the other parent.
- In extreme cases, jail time.
Most judges don’t want to escalate to jail, but they do want parents to take these orders seriously.
Common Challenges Parents Face
Of course, technology isn’t perfect, and not every missed call amounts to contempt. Internet outages, a sick child, or a genuine scheduling conflict usually don’t rise to that level. What matters is whether a parent makes consistent, reasonable efforts to honor the arrangement.
Some common issues courts are seeing today include:
- Parents claiming “technical difficulties” but not troubleshooting or offering alternatives.
- One parent scheduling conflicting activities during the child’s virtual visitation time.
- Parents refusing to provide devices or access for the child.
- Overly strict gatekeeping, monitoring, or limiting the child’s ability to speak freely during calls.
Courts are generally sympathetic to occasional tech hiccups, but they are less forgiving if one parent develops a pattern of blocking communication.
Best Practices To Stay In Compliance
If you’re navigating virtual visitation, here are a few ways to protect yourself from potential contempt claims:
- Stick to the schedule – Treat digital parenting time as non-negotiable, just like in-person visits.
- Have backup plans – If a call drops or Wi-Fi goes out, offer alternatives like a quick phone call or rescheduling.
- Document your efforts – Keep records of attempted calls, messages, or troubleshooting. Courts appreciate evidence of good faith.
- Encourage consistency for the child – Children thrive on routine. Helping them stay engaged with virtual visits can make transitions smoother.
Why This Matters
At the end of the day, virtual parenting time isn’t just about technology; it’s about maintaining meaningful bonds between children and parents. Courts recognize that kids benefit from frequent contact, even if it’s through a screen, and they expect both parents to support that relationship.
Failing to honor virtual visitation orders may seem small in the moment, but it can have big consequences. Beyond legal penalties, it may also damage your credibility in future custody discussions. Judges tend to favor parents who show cooperation and a genuine commitment to their child’s well-being.
Following Virtual Parenting Orders Responsibly
Virtual visitation is here to stay, and courts are treating it as a serious part of custody orders. If you’re a parent subject to these arrangements, it’s wise to follow them as closely as you would in-person visits. When conflicts or technical issues arise, handling them with transparency and flexibility can make all the difference.
If you’re concerned about your rights or obligations with virtual parenting time, consider speaking with an experienced family lawyer. They can help you understand your responsibilities and protect your role in your child’s life.