In England and Wales, a child custody solicitor can advise on child arrangements, negotiate with the other parent and represent you in court if necessary. The court’s focus is the child’s welfare, including their needs, relationships and any safety concerns, rather than automatically favouring either parent. You may usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court, although exemptions can apply. Consider speaking to a solicitor regulated by the SRA for advice based on your circumstances, and check the latest guidance on gov.uk.