Touche'. (Can't figure out how to put that little accent thingy over the e.)

Which is what my friends are telling me, and I guess you have pretty much confirmed my suspicions. He says his lawyer told him to "lay low for a while". He also told me he has a friend who has to do this and she is in an abusive relationship to boot.

I know NC law can be used abusivally waiting for that 1 year separation date to roll around, basically using the law against your spouse, I know because I lived it with some of the things my ex- did to me. But NC is in the Bible-belt---Billy Graham was born, bred and raised here. And I have nothing against waiting a year for the actual divorce, but heck, even NC does not make you have to live with your spouse during your "separation" year until you can get a divorce.

Thanks for helping me clarify this. I know what I need to do now.