The Department of family and children services and a court granted me custody of my children due to my estranged wife's incarcaration for four felonies, two being drug related. We haven't been together since 2001 when I joined the military. The kids went back and forth as I was deployed and she was put in jail. I've tried to divorce in the past but just couldn't afford it at the time being lower ranking. Today was easter and I allowed her to visit with the kids. At the end of the visit after the kids were back inside we began talking about future visits. When I didn't approve the future visits she became irrate and physically assaulted me. I called the cops and filed the report. Later I will take out a warrant for her arrest. All of this has happened and we are still not divorced. How do I go about getting the divorce while maintaining the custody of my children without using a lawyer and filing the divorce myself giving me the ability to afford it and move on with my life?

If she will not grant the divorce you will need an attorney. Talk to the judge advocatrs office, you may be able to get low cost representation.

Look I don't know what happened but consider waiting before you file criminal charges, because it is something you can't stop once started. You must try to maintain a relationship with her. Is she paying support? Check with the airforce there might be help. But remember you kids have rights too, and that includes interacting with both parents, and the courts will back her up on this.To answer your question I would think you will keep custody. And as for the divorce allot of it is just filing the right papers, which you can do yourself.when you go to court if she has a lawyer the Judge will give you a chance to get one. If you need help allot of lawyers will consult with and tell you how to do this stuff, for 75 to 200$