How Do I Go About Getting Things Back Following A Divorce?

I left my marriage a couple years ago, the divorce took place in Alabama. When I left, I left in a hurry because he was threatening horrible things and unfortunately, I wasn't able to take everything. I've been told that he does still have all my belongings. It's been a couple years and i would go get everything myself, but who's to say everybody hasn't been lying about whether it's there or not. It's an almost 20 hour drive and I don't want to do it for nothing.

If i were to get an attorney involved, would he have to tell me if he has everything and be forced to make a plan with me to give everything back?

I want nothing more than to finally cut ties and be free from this man ????