divorce & child custody

hi
Could anyone help me,I am leaving my husband and I need to know if i can leave the state of Texas with my children and file for custody out of state. My sister lives in Illinois wants to help me and so i would like to move to il. I have an abusive husband that i have been putting up with for 8 yrs.I have two little boys -- 5 & 1 yr old. I have finally decided to leave my husband after years of abuse, bruises, broken noses, broken fingers etc. I just found out he has bought a gun and i caught him on tape with his girlfriend! So it is time to get out. My family is helping me pack up before he gets home from a business trip. Please let me know where i stand.
thank you

If you are in fear of your life, GO NOW. As soon as you get to ILL. file a restraining order against your husband. Contact a center for victims of abuse, and they may be able to help you get an attorney. Most states require that you are a resident for 30 days before you can file, but there may be something that can be done. LEAVE NOW, no person deserves to be abused. You are very brave and deserve to be praised for finally leaving!

First of all, if you have had your nose broken before or even your fingers broken, you surely have been to the hospital right? If you have proof of the abuse, take it to a lawyer and get a restraining order NOW!! He bought a gun, that doesn't sound good. Get the restraining order and while you are talking to a lawyer, file for custody of your kids. If they believe that the kids are in danger of him, they will more than likely grant you sole custody.I would do all this before you left town b/c you don't want him to follow you and harm your family.

Get that restraining order before you leave the state of Texas. I've moved out of Texas, and find myself not able to find a local lawyer that will take the case. Having to find a Texas lawyer or represent myself!!! Just a few words from someone that has been there!!!

I am a law school graduate. I have also worked for a domestic violence clinic. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

Everyone here is correct to some extent. ASAP find a domestic violence clinic to help you file a temporary restraining order (then a hearing for a permanent one). Also, take all the hospital evidence, pictures, etc, you have and and make copies for this clinic.

They will help you find an attorney. Explain to them you would like to move and they will make the judgment call of whether your whereabouts should be revealed, documented, etc.