The expectation before applying for a court order, is that all attempts have been made at reaching an agreement. It is the responsibility of the parents to work out the child arrangements. Even after you separate and you have never lived together, the duty continues. When parents are in a position where they can’t speak to one another, a mediator or a solicitor will be needed.
The court’s always prioritise what the child’s best interests are when reviewing the case put forward by both parents. It can sometimes be hard for parents to understand that what they ask for may not be what is best for the child.