In doing this it would strap me with more debt until I sold the house. I told her I will not do that and that my lawyer will determine the details that are best for me and my sons. Had to cut the convo short at that point.
So you're saying she's willing to forfeit her half of the home equity in exchange for a smaller sum upfront? You should really consider that. I understand it's more debt for now, but estimate how long it will take you to sell the house and figure out how much interest you would pay on that debt during that time versus how much more equity you will receive once the house is sold. If it's heavily in your favor then do it.
