I have been with my boyfriend for 9 years and have two boys with him. We have a marriage certificate but he would never legalies it. He had me quit my job so I could go back to college to study to be a nurse. Something that I have always wanted to do. He recently left me and our boys, 5 days ago. I have no job no money and my rent is due in 4 days. I have no idea were he is, he has not called to see how is kids are doing, or give me any money so I can feed and house our kids. I have no idea what to do, and I feel this maybe child abandonment. What to do?
Thank you,
A very scared Mom

1. Marriage certificate?? No if you are in the US and you got a marriage license, and a judge or pastor married you, you are married, since the pastor returns the original to the courts. Expert for a few states in the US, common law marriage is not reconised.

But you go down to the welfare department, see about getting help with emergancy rent money, after emergancy food. And see about filing for food stamps and other government assistance. If he is gone, you are going to have to go back to work. That is what you do to start.

And you may end up having to move, do you have a family member or close friend you can move in with till you get things going again?

After that and you are past the stage of goind hungry and being homeless, you file for custody of the children, and file for child support.

More info on the marriage certificate, since you don't get the actual certificate until you are officially married, you get a license before the marriage

Fr. Has some excellent suggestions.

There are women's domestic groups that will probably help you out. These people can provide you with support from finding housing, helping you sign up for state aid, legal help,getting your kids enrolled in school plus they will stand by your side and offer you and your children counseling. No he doesn't have to beat you to a pulp for them to help you out or even threaten you. He is depriving you/children of emotional and financial help. That is abuse.
1-800-799-7233 also look in your phone book there may be some local numbers.

Its not child abandonment. That occurs when a child is left unattended with no supervision.

A marriage certificate is issued by a person legally empowered to perform marriages. A marriage license may be issued by a local govt but its not official until a certificate is issued.

You've gotten good advice about seeking help, I would suggest following it.