You make the changes, she will see them eventually. Quit worrying about that part. You will shoot yourself in the foot if you try to push yourself on her right now.
Have you spoken with financial aid at your law school to see what can be done? When you say bills she ran up "in your name", do you mean living expenses for a family of 7? Or something more nefarious?
Not that a law degree is any guarantee of employment unfortunately these days, but it seems a shame to be 2/3 of the way through and not finishing. Do you have any family to help you? Should you consider moving to an area with more jobs available? (Not easy with kids, I know). Do you have any other skills that you could start a side business of your own with?
