The courts’ primary concern is for the welfare of the child, and they will examine the ability of both parents to care for any children. They will look at the practical proposals of both parents, who was the main care provider during the marriage and whether it is better for the children for this to continue or not. The wishes and feelings of the children will also be considered, with more weight being given to the wishes of older children.
Both parents are responsible for the financial costs of raising a child. If your children do not live with you, then you will be responsible for paying an amount of child maintenance to the parent who is the full-time carer. How much child maintenance you pay will be calculated on the basis of your income and the number of qualifying children, or can be agreed between the two of you.