Terry Fixel Applauds Advances in Child Custody Arrangements

As Many divorced parents move out-of-state in the years following divorce, virtual visitation is becoming an increasingly popular option. Terry Fixel commends these innovations, but says they still require heavy mediation.

Hollywood, Florida (I-Newswire) July 31, 2012 - For every divorce there is wide array of issues that most likely vary case-to-case. When children and parental custody is involved these issues become much more complex and may rely on more aggressive input from family courts. According to a recent article from The Washington Times, more states are incorporating virtual visitation programs to allow non-custodial parents a chance to communicate with their child at long distance. Noted family law attorney, Terry Fixel, notes that these technological advancements are great for continuing the bonds between child and parent after divorce; however they should remain regulated to an extent.

According to Terry Fixel, many of the divorce cases she has handled involved emotional and challenging custody battles. These situations typically continue to carry distress if the custodial parent decides to move away from the non-custodial parent for any reason. AS the article states, “One out of four of these children have a parent living in a different city. 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.”

According to the article, many fear that family courts are encouraging parents to move greater distances away from the non-custodial parent as a result of virtual visitation. Fixel notes that the elements determining custody vary, so it is not fair for people to make claims that approved virtual visitation may increase the amount of parents who move away from their children. “Sometimes moving cannot be avoided and is usually the response of economic needs. A custodial parent may move to take a new job, or the non-custodial parent is accepting a job far away to offer better support to the child,” notes Terry Fixel.

Whatever the case, she believes that virtual visitation displays responsibility on both parents part. If they are moving for economic reasons, it shows that they have the child’s best in mind. If the non-custodial parent is willing to take part in virtual visitation is only demonstrates a strong willingness to stay involved with the child’s development.

While Terry Fixel believes face-to-face interaction is preferable, she understands that it is not always easy to arrange these situations. Even if a couple does not have children, she is a strong proponent of early mediation and negotiations that will help individuals avoid rising divorce costs and continued aggression between parties. She concludes, “It is true that a parent may use virtual visitation to spy on the other parent, as noted in the article, however if the parents maintain open communication and participate in successful mediation, these situations and other pitfalls can be avoided.”

ABOUT:

Terry Fixel is a Florida-based attorney who practices appellate and family law. Since 1979, she has provided legal services to her community. Terry Fixel earned her degree at the University of Miami Law School and has since retained her status as a "Member in Good Standing" with the Florida Bar. Some of the cases that Terry Fixel takes on include divorce, domestic violence, child custody, child abduction, paternity litigation, and emancipation. She also handles appellate cases.