One of my favourite tools is Skype. I use it to stay in touch with my daughter at un
iversity; with friends around the world; and to conduct mediations where one party is someplace far away.
I also often recommend that clients use Skype to stay in touch with their kids, even when they are in the same city.
Skype is free and it is easy. All you need is a computer and a webcam. Kids love it because it lets them talk with their parent and see their face at the same time. It is an ideal way for young children to have meaningful time with the other parent, even for very short calls.
I was thrilled to read that a judge in New York recently ordered a mom to set up Skype on her computer as a condition of moving the child to another state. The unemployed mother wanted to move from Long Island to Florida where she could live with her parents and find work.
The judge allowed the move on condition that she facilitate Skype access between the children and their father.
The case is Baker v. Baker and is a decision of Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Jerry Garguilo. I am not aware of any Ontario decisions requiring Skype access but would welcome hearing news of any.
