Counseling is a good decision. Alcohol and addiction was a factor in my relationship. I began with Al-anon. Now I needed more help and my abusive relationship was beyond the therapies and counseling groups they offered. But if addiction is a factor al-anon is a good first free step. In California you can call social services for your county for low income families there is counseling available. Zany since you are not working and you need help starting at social services may be a good idea.
I have been a very proud person. I made good decisions before starting my family so I would not end up on welfare or public assistance. Guess what, it happened I went from beyond well prepared to not a pot to piss in and complete welfare assistance. That public assistance acceptance is not a crime to accept. That is what it is there for to protect tax payers during bad times not suffer complete homelessness, starvation or medical care. We paid taxes for it. Accepting the help is humbling, embarrassing a chance at an epiphany you never knew was possible. Also they start the process of child support from the other spouse.
I loved the feeling of revenge I recieved when my ex husbands wages were attached to provide for his children. The drinkin cheatin jerk. His mental abuse of me included that if I ever went after him for support he would pull the insanity card on me and take the children. I was dumb enough to believe him. So that little piece of revenge was so sweet. Not to mention a restraining order oh sweet revenge
