I also owned my house in NY before we married. Do you comingle funds in joint checking or anything like that? CAuse that's what almost cost me half my house. I finally appealed to his good nature that my family had given the house to me, not to him, and he dropped his claim. If not, I would have owed him half the equity. I made a deal that I would get no alimony and he would get no equity. You need to find a bargaining chip.
Make sure you have a
really good lawyer. Some act like they only play one on TV tho they've passed the bar (can I make an alky joke here a la "The Money Pit"?)
Originally Posted by
keepingmyjoy 
Well, the house was purchased before our marriage, is in his name only. Not much of a leg to stand on in terms of staying here. But, I do have proof I paid my 1/2 of the mortgage throughout....maybe will see something in a settlement somewhere. But I am now at the point that I don't care about anything about getting peace and joy in my life for myself and son!
Sorry your mom had to go thru divorce hadenough!