Hope you catch a break. Decembers are tough for everyone...there are always a lot of expenses due to the change of season. The job situation sux but I sure wouldn't give notice until she has another job. Like the guys said, employers don't risk bad mouthing employees anymore because they can/will get sued. Collect the paycheck as long as she can.
Life is a roller coaster, Mark, and it sounds like you and Aly are at a deep bottom. Things will get better. We're all here to help out with anything we can!