I'm already divorced since 2003, but stayed together, how to proceed?

[maybeseparating2012]

To whom it may concern,
I'm already divorced since 2003, but we stayed together. I've been in a verbal and psychological abusive relationship for almost 13 yrs. with this person. I have given all the chances. I just started a new job and see the opportunity, as soon as I am independent economically, to move on my own. What would be my first step to petition a custody and child support hearing? Do I apply for legal separation since we've been living together since 2003? I plan to stay here, but once, my spouse wanted to make me sign a paper, which I didn't, that would make me stay in Florida forever. Most of my family leaves in Puerto Rico and his fear is that I might just move there and he wouldn't be able to see his children. Like I said, I don't intent to leave, unless I need to. I that case, a friend has told me the court would have to approve of my move and I would have to prove that my children's conditions would remarkably improve in PR to be able to move there. Is that truth? Doesn't that violate my civil liberties? I know the children's rights go first, but if I can provide them a better quality of life there, then what is the problem?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated; I'm totally lost with this issue and I just want to be able to leave happy and in peace with my kids and not be yelled at and put down on a daily basis.

Thank you,

maybeseparating2012

[Attorney Howard Iken]

A lot of this depends on the exact language of your divorce decree. You really need to bring in the document to have it reviewed by an attorney.