I live about 1.5 hour drive away from my 9 month old daughter. Ideally I’d like to have her 50% of the time (week on, week off), however my ex tells me that wouldn’t be good for her as she would eventually (when my ex goes back to work) be going to two different child care centres. I’ve also asked my ex to let me have her every weekend while she isn’t working (I currently have her every second weekend), she has agreed to that a few times now then changed her mind. Today she called and told me I couldn’t see her until we have a parenting plan in place, so I’m am about to go to a lawyer tomorrow to try and get that done as soon as possible and to also find out what my rights are.

Ultimately I want to do what is best for my daughter but I’m struggling find someone (other than my ex) who can tell me what that is. I believe I am a good dad and will be a positive influence in her life, however I don’t want to push for her to stay with me more then find out that’s not the best thing for her. So can anyone give me some advice if they have been in a similar situation? E.g. having a young child that is in 50/50 care and going to separate child care centres.

Is there a professional body I can speak to that will give me advice on what is the best thing for my daughter?

You can contact various government department and speak to social workers as well as helplines. But I don't know of any official body.

Personally I think for the age of your child you will run into a few problems obtaining 50/50 unless it was approached in staggered format but then distance plays a part as well.

Most the research that comes out of the U.S. points towards lots of short visits in the early years with perhaps one or two overnight stays, as the child progresses then time is increased more less days longer stays increased overnight.

The major consideration is the time factor and travel. In saying this my personal situation saw my X abscond with the children and the love interest 3 hours away from Area. Before leaving we made arrangements that I would have 9 days and nights and she would have 12, this was when my daughter was just over 3 and it worked fairly well apart from the usual problems caused by the X. We met half way.

There will be many questions that will no doubt need pre-answering just in case, so don't be in a hurry and have a well thought out parenting plan.

So ask away and we'll see if we can point you in the right direction.