URGENT HELP re child contact please

[Homely1]

So separated for some time, cannot think, toddler DC and DH who has been useless now sends me letter for DC staying overnight with him every other weekend PLUS contact for a day on the alternative weekend. Seems like a lot. DC has never stayed away or had very much time alone with DH.

Anyone recommend excellent lawyer who does child related issues in London? Very scared. He's using a very eminent firm.

Thank you. Unfortunately, I did not report the episode of DV. Clearly was not thinking then either. He pays maintenance now. Nothing initially, then a small amount which he increased but I think is not enough. I have never been aware of his salary but I'm pretty sure that it is not enough. He never put down any roots with me so no joint assets!

Any recommendations for a solicitor in London would be welcomed too, plus further advice/experience that you are so kindly offering already. Thank you all for being generous with your time x

I work and DC at nursery. I have phone numbers for some of his family, not all but no addresses. They are about 50 mins away.

In essence, the EOW and once a week - if distance makes it feasible - is a starting norm. Idea is that both parents get to spend a stretch of quality time with DC or you could view it as you getting a block of time off if that's a way of seeing it more positively or a weekend to do the domestic stuff so week days are easier.
A solicitor isn't really necessary if you come up with a schedule that works towards that. His solicitor will naturally push for what he wants as its their job but there's no point for fighting for the unwinnable i.e. bulk of every weekend or trying to stop him having overnights in a reasonably short time unless there are serious, provable welfare concerns. What he does in his time with DC is his business just as what you do is yours so you can't contra that.
So reject the weekend day and then propose how you move towards the EOW smoothly. If you work full-time you can use this as an opportunity to maybe cut down on childcare costs i.e. pickup is x time and return is y time to avoid paying for long days at nursery i.e. early starts or late pickups - sooner than you think you will have school hours to factor in, as will he. If you work part-time then how can you arrange your working hours to best fit around new arrangements.
Lots of advice via Cafcass website and other places for what to think about.

Thank you