I have been legally separated for 9 months now (he cheated with prostitutes) and two months ago, my dd (age 20mos) was diagnosed with a terminal form of muscular dystrophy. She will grow up in a wheelchair, have numerous physical problems, respiratory problems, track tubes, g tubes (eventually), and she is definately a dependent and will be for the rest of her life. She has a neuromuscular disease called SMAII.

I am amending my SA to have some changes made to accommodate her new condition and make sure she gets everything from Dad she is entitled to. I won't have any problems with child support and medical coverage past the age of 18. She will be a dependent adult and he has agreed to provide for her.

The other problem is, that I have no family here, I also have a 4 year old dd and my STBX wants to move out of the area, leaving me holding the bag. I have to work full time when I am finished my education plus take care of a physically handicapped child and another child. It's not fair that he wants to move and not have to do any of the work. Is there anything I can do to make him stay local?

I don't know how I'm going to cope.

Usually the only way to make someone stay local is if they want to be involved with the child through visitation. Virginia courts will not force someone to stay if they don't want visitation. Visitation is the true method to make someone stay local.