Thank you Trying2Survive. I'm hoping I'll get to that point soon. My abusive AH refuses to leave and tells me I'm the one who should leave since I'm the one who wants a divorce. I can't leave because I need to take the kids with me and then I'd have to file for guardianship of the kids and that's complicated according to my lawyer . Easiest route is to obtain a court order granting me exclusive occupation of the family home and the kids stay here and my AH leaves. I'm meeting with my lawyer tomorrow to prepare those documents. I fear this will become ugly as my AH is also controlling and always needs to feel he has the upper hand. I'm dreading the week ahead - wish me luck!