Rule 5.252. Guidelines for developing parenting plans and issuing court orders involving virtual visitation

Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.252

Current text effective January 1, 2026.

#(a) Application

#(1) This rule applies to orders for virtual visitation made in proceedings under the Family Code.

#(2) Virtual visitation is defined in Family Code section 3100(f).

#(b) Guidelines

In determining whether virtual visitation is in the best interest of the child, judicial officers and parties developing parenting plans:

#(1) Must consider evidence of the following:

#(A) Potential safety concerns, especially in cases involving domestic violence and abuse, including whether one of parties is living in a confidential shelter under Family Code section 3100(e);

#(B) The parties’ access to firearms or ammunition under Family Code section 3100(e);

#(C) Information provided by any:

#(i) Child participation in the proceeding under Family Code section 3042;

#(ii) Attorney appointed to represent the child under Family Code section 3150;

#(iii) Child custody recommending counselor authorized to provide a recommendation under Family Code section 3183(a);

#(iv) Child custody mediator authorized to communicate with the court about the case under Family Code section 216 and rule 5.235 of the California Rules of Court;

#(v) Child custody evaluator or other expert under Family Code sections 3111 or 3118 or Evidence Code sections 730 or 733; or

#(vi) Other person legally authorized to represent the child.

#(2) Should consider evidence of the following:

#(A) The child’s age and capacity to participate in virtual visitation;

#(B) The provider’s experience and training with using remote technology to facilitate virtual visitation;

#(C) The ability of the following persons to access the technology required to participate in, or implement, virtual visitation (for example, a computer, smartphone, laptop, desktop, or tablet, and an internet connection to allow for use of applications for audiovisual communications):

#(i) The parents;

#(ii) The child; and

#(iii) The person providing, facilitating, or monitoring virtual visitation.

#(D) Any other factors or information that weigh in favor of or against virtual visitation as part of the parenting plan or court order.

#History

Rule 5.252 adopted effective January 1, 2026.

Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.