[quote]HELP, just this past week, spent $250 consultation fee regarding a divorce (I've been married since dirt was invented). Anyway, the hostility in this house is destroying my 14 year old daughter and killing me. The first and most important question I asked was "is it okay if I take my daughter and move into an apartment until this divorce is settled?" My $250 answer, from a seasoned ball-kicking female attorney was NO. She said if I left it would be considered abandonment and I would lose any interest in the assets we have accumulated. Does anyone have another opinion. I'm talking Alabama here. [/quote]

You could always get a second opinion. It can be viewed as abandonment. But that doesn't mean that you lose all interest.

Is your stbx being physically abusive? If so, the next time he assaults you, call the cops and press charges. And get a restraining order. If not, then ask for exclusive possession of the house when you file for divorce. A judge may or may not grant that.