Hang in there, dear losingit! You have been given some sage advice here. I know you are taking it all in.
I know you will do what you have to to give your girls the life they deserve, and show them what a strong woman is, that they should never allow a man to treat them as a second class citizen or doormat. I'm sorry, honey, but you must be aware that your husband is a manipulative, abusive self serving a**hole. You have to know you deserve better. Go back and re-read your post. If it was someone else who had wrote it, wouldn't you wonder why someone would want to stay with that guy? I hope you can get counselling to help you through this. Change is hard.
I just want to add that deist is spot on when he says to get a bulldog of a lawyer. I would say pitbull! AND LISTEN TO THE ATTORNEY! Too many women start to feel bad about hurting their soon to be ex. DON'T! he'll play you. HE DIDN'T PAY YOUR RENT AND WAS WILLING TO SEE HIS GIRLS ON THE STREET? NO sympathy for that dog. Please don't clue him in on anything your going to do. The element of Surprise is a very useful tool. Be careful who you share with for now. All the best to you and your girls.