all good questions. I'm not sure what's going on. I emailed her yesterday and said she could either refinance, or we sign an agreement that she pays for my share in the house and agrees to refinance within a year but my name stays on title as long as it's on the mortage (but I have no share in future equity or liabilities).
Having the mortgage on my credit record basically rules out my ability to get any large loan in the future. That's why I wanted to put a time limit in the agreement.
I have family and friends to fall back on - thanks for asking. My finances are in great shape, trying to get my mental state in the same place! Getting there ...