Family Lawyer recommendations

[SS75]

Hi,
I've asked for a divorce as my ex has not stepped up to the plate as a father. He has also been verbally and emotionally abusive towards me. He has told me that it goes to a custody contest, he will make sure it turns ugly.

My child is 1 year old. I have been her main caregiver since birth. I do the feeds, change, bathe, milk, play, bedtime etc. all day, even in the evenings as he is always 'busy' and brings back work. Take her to the doctors, overnight care when poorly.

I know however that he will lie and come up with a lot of untruths against me to take the child away. Right now he is asking me for 4 overnights per week, which I am against as he has no clue whatsoever in looking after her. Eg. when she had a temp in the middle of the night, he would just fall asleep and sleep through it all. When he in the house with me (when I am at work), he sometimes forgets to change her nappy or give her her milk or medicine.

I am the best person to look after her as I have looked after 98% of the time since birth. We have a very close bond and she is always wanting to be with me.

Is it best at this point to see a family law solicitor?
Any recommendations? I am in Hertfordshire but work in London.
I hear Blake Lapthorn is good but costly? Any indication of costs?
What credentials things should I look out for? I do not want to make a wrong choice and go for a cheaper option which simply gives me generic advice.

I am fearful that he will try and take my child away from me.

BTW - she is very well looked after. Happy, secure, healthy and sociable. Health visitor and midwives, GP opinions.

Any recommendations or advice very much appreciated at this difficult time.

Thank you all.

[SS75]

hi babybarrister,

thank you so much for your reply.
ant indicative costs for blake lapthorn?

I need someone really good as my ex has indicated that he will try and make things ugly.

In your professional experience, what the chances of the court deciding on a 1 year old child residing with the mother? would the court not take the age of the child into account?

My ex has indicated that he wants 50-50%, right down the middle (overnight stays 4 times a week). I am against it as I know he either drinks, hasn't a clue about what do (eg. he sleeps through when she cries, when she has a temp, he is clueless), and plonks her down infront of the tv as he does his work. I know she will not get 100% care nor attention.

I would like her to reside with me and he get 1-2 overnight stays plus some weekends, but he is unwilling, just to spite me, although I have been looking after her for the bulk of the time in the last 12 months.

Thank you.

[mowmi]

OP, I could have written your post! I am in exactly the same boat! I am using Fiona Wilson and she is £320 + vat per hr (bb I read on another post that you recommended her so went to see her) she did me firstbhour for free which was useful.
PM me if you want to chat more x