My question involves divorce in the State of: Georgia and South Carolina.

I used to live in GA. My wife was very abusive to me but not to our children. After hitting rock bottom I left the home, but in doing so also left my kids (she is living with her parents so I figured they would have more stability; certainly more than her living on her own, or with me moving out of state and trying to find a new job- of which there was no guarantee at the time.)

I have gotten a job and been out of her way for a month. I have offered 25% of my earnings to her for the children. I also signed over both of our cars and all possessions (literally moved with a garbage bag full of clothes and a guitar) so she could sell whatever she wished during the period I could not pay anything to her, leaving a paper trail whenever I could. We used to own our own business, so when things got bad, I was out a job too.

Moving in with my parents in SC was really the best move for me personally- a method for me to rebuild my life without the brow-beating or emtional abuse. The kids would also benefit from this move as that their parents could both (potentially) live happier lives and therefor take better care of them by means of taking care of themselves.

What I find myself asking is, from a judge's stand-point, does this look like I abandoned the family though there was abuse?
I never called the police.. Like about any other guy I just buried my head in the sand and hunkered down to take it, hoping we could, as a family survive the turmoil.
Where should I, can I file for divorce? SC or GA? What documents do I need? What are my chances for custody at a later time if I let it go right now?
Should I retain counsel?