Additional Information:

We have been divorced since 2008 with shared custody.  My ex-husband was supposed to see our son every other weekend and he saw him the first few times then hasn’t seen him since. I just found out he moved to the west coast (we live in Newton, MA).  Since he moved and hasn’t seen our son for 2 1/2 years, I’d like to get a modification seeking sole legal custody. Is this something that can get worked out in mediation if he lives so far away?

ANSWER:

While it is certainly important that you know where your son’s father lives it is also extremely important that there is some ongoing communication between the two of you.  Although I don’t know the age of your child, it must be very upsetting and traumatic to your son to have gone so long without seeing (or hearing I assume) from his father.  Mediation can be used with technology like skyping, so it is possible to use mediation in long distance situations.  I would suggest that if the two of you can open some lines of communication – it would be far better for your son in the long run. 

Newton Divorce Mediator Tracy Fischer provides mediation services to divorced couples seeking a divorce modification.  Attorney Fischer works with families and their children  in Newton Massachusetts and the surrounding towns including: including Waltham, Watertown, Brookline, Needham, Wellesley, and Wayland.