After much agonising for about a year I've finally bitten the bullet and organised a 30 minute appointment with a local solicitor (through work) for tomorrow afternoon to discuss separating from my husband.
Brief history - married for 4 years, together for 9, DD who is 2. Marriage has always been rocky, with 2 DV incidents, one unreported in 2009, the other, last year, was reported (but not really taken seriously by the police anyway). In any case it was an unwitnessed incident and he is still adamant that I hit him first when it was the other way round, I pushed him away from me. 
We had couples' counseling for a few months with a bit of support from the HVs. A history of emotional abuse. We own our house jointly (mortgage) but have our own individual bank accounts.
I guess primarily what I need to know is about finances - whether or not I can afford to live apart (he has savings, I have debt). Also about childcare arrangements - how it's worked out who would have DD when (although I hate them thought of her being left alone with him as he's pretty emotionally damaged, only IMO of course).
I don't know how to talk to the solicitor or what (if anything) I need to bring with me. Can anyone give me any pointers? Thanks.