A friend of mine is in the process of separating from her partner - they are not married. They have two kids, 4&8. She’s from Denmark but has full residency rights here. She’s suffered from depression since the birth of her second child but is taking medication and undergoing therapy. Whilst she suffers from low mood, there has never been any question of her ability to parent her children. I think she’s a great mum.
Her partner is saying her behaviour is affecting the children and he wants to have sole parental rights. I know legally he can’t just take them away from her, but what can she do in this situation? They still live together so I’m urging her to get separate accommodation and sort out a parenting split. What’s the best way to do this? I want to give her hard advice - be it see a mediator, approach a lawyer etc, but I’m not sure what to advise. AIBU to ask for your help please? Financially, they can afford to separate, but she can’t afford expensive lawyers.
Legally, what are her rights? Practically, what are her next steps? Thank you.