My sitch...long but please indulge me

[billclay18]

Do you plan to sell the house if you divorce? For some reason I thought it was your house and she moved in when you married. In that case I would think that she is only entitled to half of the equity accrued during that period. Do discuss this with your lawyer.

Yes, I did own the house before we were married and she was never on title or the mortgage. I believe you are correct that she would only be entitled to half the equity accrued while we were married. Unfortunately for both of us that equity is negative to the tune of about $30k. If by some miracle the value goes up by $40k in the next 6 months I'd gladly split the $10k with her, but I don't see that happening. Her whole argument is moot.

I will be selling the house after the first of the year. It's a struggle paying the mortgage on one income and it's a 4BR, 3-1/2 BA 2-story with a finished basement...much too big for D11 and me.

I'm sure she'll disregard my answer. If she wants to spend the money to pursue it, that's her choice. Apparently everyone is aware of the current state of the real estate market but her.