I think I would be more direct. You already know you would like to keep the house and buy him out. The only question is at what price, right?
How about : "House Plans: would like to discuss plans to settle our debts and take over the house"
This is a little better than just saying "want to discuss plans to buy you out" because his thoughts will automatically go to "I get half". By mentioning the debts as well as taking over the house, that leaves the final financial outcome a little more nebulous. Are there other negotiable financial issues, like, say, giving up an interest in his pension or retirement savings in return for equity in the house? You've already mentioned the debts and I believe money you put into the house purchase originally? It would be good to do the math on all of that and have it handy to discuss (MLCers are notoriously bad at math).
For instance - if the house is worth $600k, has a mortgage with a $400k balance, and a second mortgage or other joint debt like credit card debt of $100k, there's really only $100k of equity left. IF the house was sold, 6% realtors fees would eat up $36k of that leaving just $64k equity to split, giving him $32k. IF you refi the house and roll the $100k of other debt into the mortgage, taking on that debt, and offer him $30k, that would be a fair deal. If he has retirement money that you are entitled to part of, for instance, if he put $60k into a 401 k while you were married and you did not have any retirement savings, then you could argue that half of that $60 k should be yours, so you will let him keep his retirement money and you keep the house, even steven. On the other hand, if he has a valuable pension, you need to ask your attorney what the QDRO value if your part would be.
Anther way to look at it, if you would have to pay him $30k for his half the house equity, but he would owe you spousal support of say $1k/mo for 2 years, you could bargain away the spousal support for the house equity.
I suggest you have a very clear idea of the outcome you are shooting for before you discuss with him, and offer him a little less than what you are willing to settle for, to give him some wiggle room.
