I'm so grateful for your replies.

I must include that my husband is not noted on my daughter's birth certificate, (it states "father unknown"). So i don't think he really has much of a leg to stand on regarding legalities, unless, of course, he wanted to go to the extent of filing for a DNA test through the courts. I seriously doubt he will as that would cost him not only money, but time and his attention, (all of which, he would rather avoid spending).

As far as leaving the states, I do intend to follow through with that, however, I recently did some serious investigations and discovered that it is best for me to complete divorce prior to leaving as I would not be able to remain there past the allowed 3 months visitation. I intend to move there and I certainly do not want to have to return under the circumstance of dealing with loose ends such as that. My daughter and I both have had enough of his crap. We don't want to have to return to it once we are gone.

So, off my rump and out to join the employed community...been so long...it's almost intimidating.

Again, thank you for your ideas. I do appreciate it.