Technology has the potential to make life infinitely easier. However, it also creates its own set of challenges and complications. Divorcing couples may find that technology can help them in a number of ways.
The internet makes it easier than ever before to research the basics about divorce. Spouses can handle communication with one another and their attorneys using digital systems. In some cases, they may even be able to attend divorce hearings or mediation sessions through video conferencing technology.
Technology also has the potential to complicate divorce, especially when the spouses have children with one another. They may need to plan in advance to address technology-related conflicts before they arise. Establishing clear rules on the three matters below can limit opportunities for parental conflict in a shared custody scenario.
Virtual visitation standards
One of the ways that technology benefits divorcing couples is through the facilitation of regular communication. If one parent is in the military or travels for work, they might go days or even weeks in between visits with their children. Parents can plan in advance for that situation by establishing rules for virtual visitation. Parents can schedule meetings with their children where they catch up and have face-to-face interactions, which can ultimately be better for the parent-child bond than simple emails or phone calls.
Technology restrictions
How much tablet time should preschool-age children have? When can teens start using social media or playing first-person shooter games? Those questions can be hard enough to answer when parents remain married and work cooperatively to raise their children. They can represent a nearly insurmountable obstacle after parents divorce. Co-parenting is typically easiest when the parents maintain the same consistent rules at both households.
Covering technological expenses
Once children start using devices or have their own cell phones, there can be significant expenses to consider. Child support does not necessarily cover the costs of a new cell phone or monthly service expenses. Parents may need to have standards in place for how they intend to split those expenses.
Discussing issues that are likely to cause co-parenting conflicts can make it easier for adults to share child custody. Technology can easily put pressure on a co-parenting relationship if parents don’t set terms that they both agree are appropriate.
