Shared residency order being sought - advise needed for friend

[neuroticmumof3]

My friend is separated from her husband. He was verbally, emotionally and finanacially abusive and at times was physically threatening to her. They have one DS, 9 yrs. He has never had sole care of DS, not even for an hour. Partially this has been because he's not very interested and partially because my friend doesn't trust him. Since their separation he has had frequent contact with DS, always supervised by my friend. He hasn't asked for unsupervised contact. Now she has been served with court papers that he is seeking shared residency.

I've tried to read up on this but have found it a little confusing - I can't really understand what he would gain from this. She has little money but doesn't qualify for legal aid so is feeling vulnerable atm. Thanks for reading.

[neuroticmumof3]

50% I think. Do they sort out where he lives when at the same time? Neither of us have a clue. I did look at the custody minefield web pages but was still baffled [dim emoticon].

[cestlavielife]

why has he never had unsupervised contact with a nine year old?
what are the issues here?
what does the nine year old think?
at nine his wishes and feelings would be taken into consideration tho not necessarily be a deciding factor

that website seems to be all about selling their book -
look at cafcass site for free
www.cafcass.gov.uk/the_law_about_children/contact_and_residence.aspx

[cestlavielife]

is there documented eveidence of the abusive behaviour eg police records?