You talk about the law, but in which country? In Spain, where I got married and divorced, if there are children the woman gets everything. If the house is in joint names she can legally refuse to sell because it would be disruptive for the children. She can keep anything she likes on the grounds that it is for the benefit of the children. My at home business pc was needed to allow my son learn about computing. Even my adult clothes were needed for when my son grew up. As my ex-wife explained to me, anything in that house is hers to keep, sell or destroy, whatever she wishes. And she did! I personally know of many Spanish men who have been reduced to going back to live with their elderly parents. He has to pay child support as well as the mortgage and all utilities on the house. And he also has to pay his ex-wife a pension for her. She has the additional benefit of moving a new man into the house and pay his share of the bills. In my case my ex-wife even applied for my entire salary. Over there it is the man who ends up destitute. And if the divorce was the result of her having an affair, she will tell blatant lies that it was him.