Shy, I would suggest contacting an attorney. You need to take care of your fiscal health along with your emotional health, and if he's frittering away what little money he has, you need to make certain he is responsible for possible child-support and if allowed in your state, alimony payments, since he's, for all intents, abandoned you. I know lawyers aren't cheap, but you will do yourself and your children a HUGE disservice if you don't contact one immediately.

Take care