It is good to see you posting again, and do not leave it too long next time. Our little online community is not same without you.
I am on too much of a downer, to give any positive, uplifting or optimistic advice. But I do echo and validate all the advice you have already received.
I am sure that the selling of the assets to pay bills, was the right thing to do at the time, for the right intentions, and for the best of both parties. I had a similar situation of a windfall payout, from a life assurance company that floated. After some debts were paid there was not much was left.
Course it was all my fault! The WAS wants everything. They don't realise that it is all swings and roundabouts. That if the assets were still there, then so is the debt!