AbandonmentIssues, my heart goes out to you. I have only skimmed this entire thread, mostly because it's very triggering for me because almost the exact same thing happened to me after 18 years of marriage.

Virtually all states now are "no-fault" divorce states, so unfortunately you probably are not going to be able to sue for divorce on the basis of desertion, even though he DID desert you and your child. (This is grossly unfair in my opinion.)

If I can get my head together, I'll post a more articulate response, but I did want to send you lots of hugs and let you know that I sympathize with you.



(Congratulations on the birth of your daughter, BTW! )