What steps should I take to keep custody of children if I leave an abusive husband?

Your first step is to gain knowledge.  Start with the materials posted at: http://www.willicklawgroup.com/child-custody-and-visitation/ http://www.willicklawgroup.com/child-support/ http://www.willicklawgroup.com/domestic-violence/ http://www.willicklawgroup.com/preliminary-matters-and-motions/ If you really cannot afford counsel, the local Pro Bono provider is the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, which can be called at 702-386-1070 (or see their information on the web at http://www.lacsn.org/option,com_jcalpro/Itemid,3/extmode,view/extid,15/).  Those that take pro bono cases take them after they have been screened, and assigned, by Legal Aid.  The Reduced Fee Panel sponsored by the State Bar can be reached at 702-382-2200.  Additionally, there are free consultations offered on Thursdays (in Las Vegas) at the self-help center; volunteer attorneys provide 15-minute consultations, for free, on family law questions.  For those that wish to attempt self-representation, forms are available at the vastly improved Clark County self-help center website, at http://www.familylawselfhelpcenter.org/.