Jacqueline-I am not an attorney or legal expert. I also know little about your situation, (if you work, husbands employment, etc). You have said that you have lupus and your car was in his name. However, from what I have learned, at least in my state, with 20 yrs of marriage, he would likely have to provide you with some items such as a vehicle. My car is in both of our names, then he has 2 cars in just his name. Boy that kind of shows an inequity. He could legally take my car and I couldn't report it stolen because of both of our names, so he has 3 and I have none. So , for me, I think the best way to resolve this is in a court of law. Again, I don't know your financial situation but suspect it is inequitable at the time (given that he took your car)
I have been working on getting legal aid for awhile now and it is very frustrating. He has savings and I have none. Most attorneys want $5000 up front to start proceedings. Legal Aid seems a bit incompetent even if you are lucky enough to get it for free. This may not be the case for you. I have heard that some women have gotten legal representation and the judge orders payment from marital assets.
While my husband yells horribly at me, I blame myself for provoking it. In reality, I know that is not true. If I want to talk about retirement plans, what assets we have, making a home move, anything real besides dinner or sports scores, it provokes him. I can no longer keep my mouth shut about my future when my health is so poor. Two weeks ago he told me what I already suspected-that he hates me more every f....ing day, screaming these things at me, because I try to assert myself about the future.
I am finding this really hard, but trying to have faith that it is the right thing to do, since I have tried to make it work for so long and with all my heart. Now I just have to walk away.
I just really want you to be safe, and I know that being hit or pushed can be the least of damages done, and that the verbal and psychological can be just as damaging or even more. Please keep reaching out to us here.