Well are they getting divorced ? In which case then things can be settled with a final settlement. If they have several properties with joint mortgages then I would say you are in for a bumpy ride. (Were they in some sort of property business ??) He does not have an automatic right to force the sale of the property from under her, they both own all of the property (assuming it is a joint tenancy in the usual way) and he is responsible for the mortage just as much as she is and would need her agreement to sell. You do not say how long the marriage was for or if there are any children involved. If you are already using a solicitor then they will tell you the best course of action, but I think you need to move it along fairly quickly, but the legal fees might be quite high.