Parenting arrangements for children under 18 can be difficult if you cannot agree on what the arrangements should be. Always consider the needs of the children first. It is not about your rights, it is about the best interests of the children. Some children cope well with spending a week about with each parent while others may only cope with shorter periods with one parent. If you cannot agree then the first step is to attend mediation. There is no need to get solicitors involved until after you have attended mediation. Court is an option but you will need to have a certificate given to you by the mediator before the court will hear your application.