Taking the First Step for Divorce.Help Needed!!!!

Hi

Needless to say, this is a very hard step to take, but I feel that I must. Divorce had been something we talked about for many years. I suggested divorce mediation, only if he's willing to discuss and try to come to some sort of agreement. We've been married for 16 yrs, have 2 children, 9 yrs and 5 yrs old. We both live in the marital house which is worth 240K, mortgage balance is 75k. He's currently out of work, but used to earn 40K, I am in full time work, earning 20K. We both agreed that I should have the custody of the kids. We don't have any joint accounts apart from mortgage. My main corncern is that my husband suggests we have to sell the house and split 50.50. I don't see this acceptable as I have the responsibility for two children and can't afford to buy a property if that was to happen. At the same time,I don't want to be unreasonable. I would like to know what I should realisticly expect to get as far as the marital house is concerned? I'd much rather to stay in our home with the kids, perhaps buy him out if possible? Any indication of what I should ask. Also I don't feel much confident about him paying any maintenance for our children. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

child maintenance is not optional 20 % of his take home for two kids once he starts earning less generally a 2/7 discount if he has the standard part time father access of every other weekend and one week night.
You won't get spousal maintenace but will get at least a 2/3rd split on the house equity so say £110k to you and £55k to him.
all the best
Pete

Thank you for your response. I booked an initial meeting with the divorce mediator on monday. My husband agreed to come with me to the second meeting. Hope the divorce mediation will be worth it... I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again.