Can someone please help me out?

my ex-husband is a major jack a$$ and mega phobic. hes a master manipulator and like very much to talk down to me and the kids. we have been separated for over a year now and i am madly in love with my partner. she is truly my soul mate. i almost couldn't be happier. the only way i could be happier is if my children were with me. i have given the lawyer a 1000 dollar down payment but i need another 500 for her to even file the paper work. and thousands more to go all the way with the case. i cant even seem to come up With the next 500 so that she will at least file the paper work. i am desperate to get them away from him. i fear that there are other things that he is doing that could be mively detrimental to the children. maybe someone could end up in jail. but what am i to do. i cant figure out a way to get the kids away from him. he hates gays and refuses to let me even be alone with the kids for fear that ... i don't know, maybe he thinks i will turn them gay too... or maybe he doesn't want me to get my gay cooties on them. but he especially refuses to let me spend much time with them in the company of my partner. and.. OMG!!! THE %hit would really hit the fan if we were to even think about holding hands in front of the kids... or worse. act like we love each other. UGG! what am i to do. i am so lost any ideas at least?