I am in the unfortunate phase of doing my homework in preparation for the inevitable and am choosing to be best informed.

I have a fiance with whom I have a 14 month old daughter. Our relationship is terrible. The woman is abusive, mostly verbally but occasionally physically as well. The biggest loser in all of this is our daughter who gets to witness these things and as much as I can stand to keep my mouth shut and my emotions in check the other side (fiance) cannot. I believe I have developed major depressive disorder with major anxiety components due to constant verbal, physical abuse.

We have a house, title in both names. We just refinanced and the loan was converted to my name only. She has not worked for the last 14 months and my credit score alone is excellent and really was best for the refinance.

We have a join checking and savings which I only provide and contribute to.

All the furnishings in the house are on a credit card which I am primary.

She is an educated, prior working and able to work accountant with an extensive resume. Recent history of DWI and a major non convicted felony of fraud which can easily be exposed.

With that said, my questions are...

As a male what can I do to obtain custody of my child should things get to a point where we separate? Does her history of conviction and possibility of further conviction together with proof of abuse towards me in front of child help in any way? What other types of scenarios would help me with this goal?

I have unquestionably supported and continue to support us financially, to what extent does this look favorable in court?

Do I have sole authority to do what I think is right with our house - sell or not sell, since I am solely on the mortgage? We are both on title. If sold for profit are those gains solely mine?

Should the items I paid with a credit card, which I am primary card holder of, be damaged on purpose or in some way moved from my possession, do have legal grounds to sue?

I realize this is a lot of questions and I am pursuing a lawyer for counsel, however I would like some more information as I go down that road.

Thank you for all and any responses.