Joint parental responsibility

[4seasons]

I am hoping for some help for a friend who has joint parental responsibility with her ex husband . He is unemployed at the moment and has been for some time. He is also an ex drug user and has been verbally abusive ( not sure about DV as she won't discuss it ) to her .
He disappeared for about 18 months after they divorced then turned up demanding access to their children . He went to court using legal aid and got two hours of supervised access per week granted . He then failed to turn up at a court hearing so the access was denied . He then disappeared for 8 months . He has now reappeared and is again wanting access saying that he will go back to court again using legal aid . He has never paid a penny towards his childrens' up bringing.

What my friend is really worried about is him turning up at the school and taking the children . She has contacted the school who say they can not stop him taking the children as he has joint parental responsibility. Can anyone help with advice please ?

[postmanpatscat]

The school are correct but they should agree to telephone her if he turns up asking to take the children.

Your friend needs legal advice.

[FeegleFion]

I second posties advice; your friend needs to get accurate and up-to-date info and advice from specialists. Maybe start with CAB and they will, at the very least, point your friend in the right direction to a good family law solicitor. Also, she may find some useful information on the Gingerbread website. HTH.