custody

[L.DRYDEN]

my partner divorced 12 months ago.during the divorce maintainence and a clean break order were set in place.the little girl of 8 has lived with us for nearly five years now.the ex husband has now become problematic with visitation and is saying that he has joint custody.my partner assumed that she had full with him having visitation rights.during the divorce this was agreed amicably.if nothing is decided during does the law state that custody is joint up until challenged by either party?i would really like to understand my partners rights and i guessat this stage who has the last say about visitation and how does the law view my partner ie the mother and at whom she recides with.

regards

lee