Separated almost a year with mediation finally coming up. Been a long rough road. I (42m) won’t get into all the details, but turns out I was married (4 years, together for almost 10) to a covert narcissist (strong suspicion, not diagnosed) who discarded me in my most desperate hour (mental health crisis in which I almost unalived myself). Thankful got the professional help (out of state) I needed and doing much better. Upon my return she had took our 3 year old daughter, the basic necessities, and moved in with her parents. I have maintained residence in our marital home. Fortunately when we purchased it she is only on the title while the mortgage itself is in my name. My intention is to keep the house (she does not want it) and buy her out. Where I’d like some advice/insight, especially from any men with recent experience, is the question in the title; Cash-out or HELOC? Obviously everyone’s situation is unique, but want to hear what others have done.

Additional details: The house was purchased in 2021. Central Florida. Currently have roughly $170k in equity (official appraisal in work). Mortgage interest rate is 2.75%. I’ve been looking into both options, but one does not seem to be definitively better than the other. Thanks in advance for all thoughts and suggestions.