Child Arrangements. Help!!

[Charlottie01]

I have newly separated from the father of my 2 year old child ( unmarried).
I am having a solicitor appointment tomorrow to discuss Child Maintenance Support & other Child Arrangements that have been discussed over mediation.
The Mediation Service have encouraged a ' Child Arrangement Plan' but I am hesitant to draft this or make any commitments without proper Legal Advice.

This is my first and only child and I just want to gather as much knowledge to empower my decision process over my child's future. I wonder if my child is perhaps too young to be sleeping over 60 miles away each weekend /or every other weekend with their father?? Would this reduce my child maintenance significantly? I feel the father is making demands that are unwise.

Please help !!!

If at all possible its beneficial to try and arrange a plan without going to court as that can become toxic and very costly.

There isnt enough information in your post to advise (also you shouldnt take advice from random internet people).

However, think about has he been a good dad before now? If so he deserves to see his child. Even if he hasnt been great unless you have proof he poses an actual danger he will get visitation.

2 years is about the age that overnights can be awarded from but it depends on the child. Who moved away? Is there any reason he couldnt have the child? You can suggest building up to it in mediation but contact will be awarded so you are better trying to agree to something you can live with rather than having it taken out of your hands by the court.

Yes maintenance will reduce by every night he has them but that shouldnt be a reason to deny access. Again, you cms is the bare minimum so try to come to a private arrangement.

Im so sorry you are going through this and im sending you strength.

Dsd at the age of 2, stayed every other weekend fri to sun.
By pre school age. Fri to drop to pre school monday. Half school holidays. Alternate Xmases.

Her mother didn't want over night. Dh took her to court and gave everything he wanted as was in dsd best interests to have a stable relationship with her df.

Shes 48 miles away.

The more over nights does lower cms. However dh didn't he kept a set figure and raises accordingly each Year as to what needs dsd has and income etc.