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Parent and Child Electronic Communication

Florida Statutes create the guidelines for establishing court ordered electronic communication between a non-timesharing parent and a child.

Florida Statute 61.13003 states that a court may order electronic communication between a child and the non-timesharing parent. However, prior to doing so, the court must consider the following: whether the communication is in the child’s best interests, whether equipment and technology for the communication is reasonably and readily available, accessible, and affordable, each parent’s history of substance abuse and domestic violence, and any other factor the court considers material. The statute also creates a rebuttable presumption that said communication is within the child’s best interest and, unless rebutted, the electronic communication must be established. Further, if a previous court order does not establish this specifically, a party can move to have it established without the burden of a substantial change in circumstances.

While the Court is able to consider other factors in evaluating this provision, it is important to have educated and well-versed counsel to guide you. The Rice Law Firm has handled many parenting plan issues since 1986. Contact us today at our Daytona Beach location at 386-310-2914.