I'm in NC but after talking to the lawyer I learned that I was not "abandoning the home" due to the amount of abuse and difficulty living with my husband. I was VERY afraid of that - but once you have legal advice then you can stay/leave according to their counsel.
I let the fear of "abandoning my home" keep me as a hostage for years....once I talked to a lawyer I learned that there are ways that you can leave without giving up your rights. I know each state might be different but that's why just even talking to a lawyer is well worth the consultation fee.
You are making amazing steps.....I'm thinking about you as I go about doing the very same thing. My movers come tomorrow.....