Childcare arrangement order

[Nimbus1999]

Do most people get a court approved childcare order or just have a private arrangement in place? We’ve been to court re the split of 50/50 as couldn’t agree (the court found in my favour not to do a 7/7 arrangement) but now I don’t know whether I need to press for an agreement to be finalised (final hearing in July) or just accept things as they are and tell court we have agreed. I would only want to cover things like birthdays, Christmas etc in the agreement. But is it necessary? We haven’t been on great terms. And if we do want it written up, can a mediator do that / do ourselves or do we have to pay for a solicitor? Help!

I would definitely get it written up, if you aren't already on good terms then moving forward the children's plans could be used as a way to cause further friction. And you don't want drama suddenly at every mother's day, Christmas and other big celebrations. I think I'm right in saying that a mediator can help you discuss and reach the agreement, you both then agree for the notes from these meetings to be released which can be sent to a solicitor who then writes the agreement up. That is what I have been told.

By the solicitor writing it other if either of you break the agreement and it ends up in court, although the agreement isn't a legally binding contract in the same way a court ordered one would be, if your ex broke it then the judge would be more in your favour. This was the advise I was given.