What does "getting your ducks in a row" entail?

[WTFisThisShit]

If you make a decision to leave a marriage what should you do to "get your ducks in a row" ?

I want out. He's an EA, narcissistic, intimidating, arrogant arsehole and I've took my limit now

Would I be entitled to any legal aid?

It means, getting copies of financial documents, bank statements, mortgage or rent stuff. Going on entitled to website, putting stuff in their calculator as a single person, seeing if you qualify for any benefits. But the biggest duck is SHL duck. That's a shit hot lawyer. If you don't know one then go to your local CAB, they will give you a list of local family lawyers. Many offer a free hour consultation. Go to a couple, find the one you click with, they can tell you about legal aid, go ready with questions. Your ducks in a row, ....keep them secret before you release them!

I'm just afraid of the financial repercussions, I think I'm going to have to start all over again with nothing

Do you have kids? A joint mortgage?

I'd add squirelling away:

Secret stash of money if you can
Get passports, birth certificates, precious photos to a friend if you think access to them may be difficult when you announce that you are leaving / if you have to run away
Get a bag packed with clothes, nappies, toiletries, toys etc - enough to tide you over if you need to go in a hurry, leave it with family / a trusted friend
Copies of your DP/DHs bank statements, pay slips, pension info etc

Definately withdraw as much as you dare from joint accounts. (I used cash back when shopping for groceries and hid the money in sanitary towel wrappers as I knew he wouldn't look there.)

Yes kids and a joint mortgage

I will gather as much info as I can, passports etc, I have been saving but need more money

Have you reported to,the police with regards to assaults at all ? Get your free half hour and they will be able,to tell you if you are legible for legal aid .

Please call women's aid also, give them as much info as you can. I planned for over a year to leave, but it can be done a lot quicker