However, in the New Jersey case the father was very involved with his child, who also had special needs. Further, although a visitation schedule can require that the technology be made available, it's difficult to mandate daily Internet communication. She warns that the parent suggesting interactive web technology for visitation could face a difficult cross-examination. Experts say that technology is more likely to be seen as a viable complement to a visitation plan if the custodial parent was cooperative about visitation when the two parents lived in the same place. This is particularly important because all sorts of complicated problems can arise with high-tech interactions.
Technology breaks down often enough as it is and is easily subject to sabotage.
Some family lawyers are concerned that when information is transmitted over the Internet, it's difficult to keep it secure and private. In particular, Internet communication can present legal concerns if the non-custodial parent tells the child negative things about the custodial parent. This information can be saved in the computer and admitted in court, thereby affecting pending custody and support agreements. Generally, parents are not supposed to talk about a custody or divorce case with the child. However, Handschu notes that messages sent over the Internet could be password-protected.