The whole process can be very long and drawn out, and the outcome will depend on the length of the marriage, the needs of both parties and how much is in the 'marital pot'. Also there is your pension to be considered of which she can ask for a share in her own name. Usually you will not have to play a part other than attending, your solicitor will do all the talking. She may get legal aid but she could have to pay that back from any settlement she received. If you can come to some amicable arrangement it would be much better. You say she only wants the equity from the sale did you mean all the equity, as there is no bigger percentage than that .. or did you mean she only wanted half the equity originally and now she wants more ? Have you got savings etc. ? The way it works is all the debts go in a pot and all the assets (so in a way she would be affected by your debts) and then whatever the figure you are left with is split ... either by agreement or ultimately by the court.