He's telling you what you need to do. I think you are perfectly capable of deciding what you need to do entirely without his input. Don't you?
Of course he's living in fear. He knows you have a right to child support, possibly even spousal support.
Don't waste your time responding to him. Your time and energy is much better spent getting your legal ducks in a row.
Did you get a notebook to put your anger in yet? It really helps.................
L