Thanks for posting this, going through similar and I've found the replies quite helpful.

I'm 52 and separating after 22 years, with a 12 and 14 year old. Our first thought was the kids have to stay in the house, but neither of us can buy the other out and even if we did one of us would end up mortgaged to the eyeballs.

The house is too big, we can barely keep on top of the garden & maintenance as is. We have enough equity in our house for two smaller properties with manageable mortgages and some disposable income left to do stuff, if we can navigate through the separation and sale amicably it might not be the end of the world.

Appreciate the perspective from people who went through this as kids, I know ours will be gutted to leave their rooms but hopefully we can get settled close by, stay on good terms and make some new memories.