Divorce solicitor/legal aid Richmond Twickenham area - help!

[nosferatu]

Hi, I am at this sad stage of realising my marriage can not survive and I need to do some research on what my rights are since I have been a full time mum of two, and I am scared of simply everything, although I am reassured by friends that I should be ok on custody matters. We owe two properties and we are generally speaking ok on money. I have found out my husband has legally already looked into things and he has also been promised financial help from his family if he needs to fight me. I am lost as to where should I go, I went to CAB this morning but they were full, I will try tomorrow. if I pay a solicitor it will come out of our joint account and it is best if I keep it secret and free for now. Any help appreciated!