A civil partnership allows both parties the right to obtain parental responsibility for a partner’s child, meaning that upon dissolution they have obligations or rights relating to maintenance and visitation.
In the same way that financial agreements should be attempted between both you and your civil partner amicably, this also applies to arrangements for your children.  In the event that this is not possible you can apply to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order, however the Court will need to see that you have attempted Family Mediation by attending a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting first.  It is during this meeting that an independent Mediator will listen to both sides of the situation and consider the likelihood of reaching a resolution without resorting to Court.  If Mediation is unlikely to be successful or it is not appropriate you can apply to the Court to have a decision made by the Judge.
Any Child Arrangements Order made will be legally binding.