How would you handle this gun related ex

[george burns]

My wife and I have a client and a dear friend, divorced for some time from a man who is Bi-Polor and off his meds, she came to see me today. She is a Surgeon and pro-gun, her current boyfriend carries, so I know it to be true.
The ex is around her young kids and carries illegally, "he has no Concealed permit". He constantly fiddles with the gun and has it in the console with the kids in the car, loaded. I don't like giving advice to people about how to live their lives, but she is in fear that the children could be hurt.
He apparently doesn't feel normal when on his meds. I told her to read the state rules concerning the legalities of firearms l. But it appears he is breaking a few laws right from the get.
I also gave her the names of a few people she could speak to that are more expert on the subject than I am, Like I said I don't normally give people advice on such matters, but when kids are involved it changes the dynamic. I believe the ex is from Whales, not a citizen but a resident of the state of FL.
She is a good woman and not trying to cause the guy problems, but unmedicated he might be a danger to himself and others, according to her medical opinion.
I told her I would pose the question here and get some feedback for her, thanks

 

[Art Eatman]

Only she can decide which is more important: Being nice and not causing trouble for the ex, or the safety of the children.

 

[danez71]

It's her duty to protect her children. There is no question of that.

If she has sound reason, IMO, she is negligent if she doesn't at least start asking questions to more qualified people.

Again, IMO.

 

[Hanzo581]

I would advise her to report him to the authorities if it were me.

Mental health issues are a huge problem in this country. Too many times they go unnoticed or unreported until you end up seeing that person on the six o'clock news doing something horrific that could have been prevented.

 

[wbbh]

I make it a point never to take sides in domestic disputes; you never get both side from one party. There may be ulterior motives on the part of either or both parties.

The only thing I would add to the advice already given would be to ask if her children "gun proofed" i.e., have they had safety training to know not to handle, in this case apparently easily accessible, firearms?

 

[LeonCarr]

One Word

Attorney

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Frank Ettin]

The OP's friend has a serious, personal and legal problem. And she needs to protect her children. This is not the place to get advice regarding the handling of that sort of situation.

She needs to consult with a qualified lawyer, preferably someone with a specialty in family law. She needs to consider one or more of the following: modifying whatever custody/visitation arrangements were put in place at the time of the divorce; obtaining a restraining order against the ex-husband; and/or reporting the ex-husband to the authorities.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Another member has asked that I pass on the following suggestion:

If anyone is concerned about the welfare of a child (or someone elderly/infirm, for that matter) state law will usually provide an option to make an anonymous report to some state welfare agency. This is another option the OP, or anyone in a similar position, could consider.