We are both 42, married for 9 years in Ca. Throughout the marriage she has threatened divorce at times, but I have been able to talk her out of it, but this time she won't budge. It's been 3 weeks since she told me, but hasn't served me paper... Question - does it take this long? Is she dragging her feet, because I have not seen her do any paperwork? Is she bluffing? Or realizing it won't turn out well for her (reason why in next Paragraph).

My parents put the down payment on our house. They asked she sign a contract (she did), if we got a divorce the house would be sold and their down payment would come back to them. They own 50% of the house and my wife and I own the other 50%. Instead I have the ability to buy her out of her share of the equity and keep the house but I have a feeling she is going to fight me for the house. She would have to move into an apartment otherwise, and that is beneath her. Question - what are my chances of getting my way here? I don't believe she has the funds from her parents to pay out my parents plus the equity for me. But who knows. But my parents could refuse right? Then the house gets sold and nobody wins. Would a judge side with her because she is a girl? Would a judge be okay with her moving into an apartment and I get the house? I do know that she wants us to have 50/50 partnership in the kids (2). I'm worried the judge will favor her regardless of the paperwork she has signed, because she is the mother. Note- she has always worked full-time and has a descent paying job.