Getting the legal ball rolling question

[smithszone]

Hiya,

I'm new here.

About me...I left my partner/girlfriend 4 years ago now and our daughter, (aged 11 now) for the first 2-3 years spent 5 or 6 nights with me. Last 1-2 years her mother has agreed to an extra night so daughter is with me for 4 nights and her mother for 3.

We have no legal agreements between us currently, just we do what daughter wants.

However, this is causing some issues in regards to certain things.

If i was to get the legal ball rolling to get custody legally as I am main carer, how much does this usually cost (ball park) and what are the chances of me actual winning such a case (if mediation fails).

Any hints or tips or advice would be massively appreciated.

Thanks.

[atticus]

You will need to contact family solicitors in your area and ask for estimates of fees.

This area of law is governed by the Children Act 1989. You would be applying for a Child Arrangements Order. Please note that in all cases concerning children the court must treat the welfare of the child as its paramount consideration.

[smithszone]

You will need to contact family solicitors in your area and ask for estimates of fees.

This area of law is governed by the Children Act 1989. You would be applying for a Child Arrangements Order. Please note that in all cases concerning children the court must treat the welfare of the child as its paramount consideration.

Thanks, i'll do that.

Another question, as the current arrangement is the child with me the majority of the time; is the norm to replicate that to keep status quo or to start from scratch and ignore the past 4 years?

Thanks

[atticus]

Do not think of it as a 'norm' but rather whether there is good reason to keep or change those arrangements, remembering that the Court's decision will be based on what is best for the welfare of the child.