The kids are both of ours and basically from what I have read up on we are legally bound by the common law marraige. I want a better life for the kids and I would have to leave the state in order to do that. I need a good lawyer that can tell me what my rights are. I talked to one and he said I would have to file for divorce. I just don't have the cash for even a consulut. He leaves me with almost all the bills while he makes more money than me and does not put anything in the house like repairs. We bought the house together but got his name off the mortgage years ago. I had no choice but to go along with it since he wasn't paying anyway and I had a new baby to take care of and I couldn't afford the current payment . I feel like I am trapped and there is no way out.