I did it last year and I have never felt so alive. I have my bright future in front of me and I can choose any path I like now (I'm starting nursing at university next year and I can't wait), and with no procrastinating partner to hold me back. :-) My kids are so well behaved now that their mother is happy now!!! It has been over a year since I've cried.
For the Australians on here: In Australia, centrelink will actually start paying you FTB and parenting payment single while you are still living with your DP (though you have to have broken up, have separate bedrooms and not live as a couple anymore. ie. no outings together etc. If you and your dp decide to separate go to c.link and get the form called 'separated under the same roof'. I was then able to save up my bond money and a lot extra for my move, with out borrowing money from anyone.
I broke up my DP when I was prenant with #4 and moved out after the birth (as we'd planned). It was all very amicable. Have a few chats with your DH about the fact that your not getting on anymore, that you are no longer compatible, and that you would BOTH be happier apart, and he may actually agree. But what ever you do don't bame him for all of your problems ( tell your family this if you need to vent), telling him off won't make him behave any better, it will just make him mad. If you can get him to agree that you should separate, it will be a lot easier than leaving a war zone.
I was scared about the possibility of feeling lonely for the rest of my life if I left my dp but now I have left, I actually feel great and much less lonely than I did when I was with him, that's for sure.
I haven't known many good men either. where are they all? pm me if you want. I'd be glad to chat further,