Yes get in touch with a lawyer asap dear! Desertion is what it will fall under - sorry I do know about this b/c my father walked out on my mother and brother and I when I was very young. We have never seen or heard from him again.
She filed with the state under a desertion clause, i know this for sure! I know there was a time frame he did have to be gone for, not sure how long yours has been gone but reguardless you can get the ball rolling on this now.
I suggest you do.
I am so sorry to hear that this has happened to you - try to stay positive honey! If we all had 20/20 vision for the future we'd all be millionaires but we'd all still have problems - don't ya think! I do anyway...
You will come outta this better than you know, just give yourself the time to heal in your own way. surround yourself with love, loving people, build your own little support system - whether it's 1 or 10 people you can really count on!
You are what matters now - Not HIM!
Good Luck My Dear, ~W.

Thats f****d up, well we know that he isnt a real man, but i honeslty do not know never been married , engaged or been in a relationship more thatn a year in a half, but hope everything is well on your end but like my girl said above me i think you would need a alawyer

Talk to a lawyer, but I think if he's been gone a while, you can say he deserted you.