Electronic devices such as smart phones, notebooks, and laptops that provide email, texting, and web cam capabilities have changed the way families communicate in a fast-paced world. Wireless technology has opened up communication channels between divorced parents and their children. While Texas courts encourage parental contact for child development, they also realized a need to put electronic communications in the proper perspective and establish guidelines.
The Texas Family Code Sec. 153.015 Electronic Communication lays the ground rules for how electronic device communications relate to child custody.
Time spent with a child through instant messaging, Skype, or other forms of electronic communication is not a substitute for physical possession or access to the child (visitation). Also, when determining child support, the court may not consider the availability of electronic communication as a factor.
Courts allow or limit periods of electronic communications with the child based on the child’s best interests and whether all parties addressed in the electronic communications court order have reasonable access to electronic communication devices.
Guidelines for electronic communication periods include:
Contact a Texas child custody lawyer for answers to legal questions or concerns about an electronic communications court order.