Divorce Support Forums: Contemplating divorce

Hi everyone,
I'm contemplating divorce from my husband of 8+ years. Our relationship has been more than "rocky" for the entire time we've been together (12 years). He has major anger management problems, is very cynical and somewhat bigoted. He's an ok father to our 5 y.o. daughter.

I want out of this. I'm so tired of hoping things will get better. Yes, it may be for a while but then it all goes down the tubes again. He is impatient with my daughter and I and is verbally and emotionally abusive - not physically, thankfully.

I am the breadwinner. He doesn't work. He's too lazy and/or makes excuses for not getting a job. I have supported him our entire time together. Some years he has a job, others not.

That's the short version!

I'm hoping to meet with an attorney over the next couple weeks, but I could use some help.

1. We are about to sign another year lease on our house. Now what? Either I need to get out or he does. I can easily support myself and my daughter financially.

2. Can I take my daughter out of state or is that frowned upon? I was considering living with my mom (out of state) for a while. However, I'm going to try for custody of my daughter and nothing is worth hindering that.

3. What are the chances I will get custody? I am the only one with a job, I'm the mom, and he has a record... (mind you, it's only for misdemeanor marijuana possession). I don't want to bring up the fact that he's still a pot-head, but if push comes to shove...

4. Am I going to have to pay him alimony? He's been without a job for close to a year, although he does parttime IT consulting work. I do want to have to pay for him because he's been too lazy to get a job!

5. Any recommendations for a good Collin County lawyer for someone in my situation? I would prefer they are in McKinney or Allen.

6. I travel for 3-4 days at a time on no particular schedule. I'm wondering if I should plan to hire a nanny or if I should continue to rely on stbx to provide a place while I'm away. Is it going to be frowned upon that I travel for work even if I can provide a nanny for my daughter?

Thank you for reading my lengthy post!