Hello, I would really appreciate any advice or past experience any one can share.

I was living in my first home in Michigan before I met my wife. While dating and living together I sold that home and used the proceeds to buy another. This new home was solely in my name, mortgage and title. We did split shared expenses based on percentage of income, which ended up in the beginning at about a 70% me, 30% her split. After a year in the home I refinanced from a 30 to a 15 year to pay off sooner. We did not change our split. Over the years I had a few raises and we’d adjust to cut her cost. However as she progressed through her career and a masters, her income greatly increased, and mine decreased from a job change. In the last income change, my wage decreased $20k annually and hers increased $20k annually. I continued to pay the greater amount, with the large changes in wages and the higher 15 year cost from the original 30.

We married about 16 months ago and at that time I added her to the title. I wanted it to be easy for her to keep the home if something was to happen to me. Now though, in what is relatable to case of walk away wife, she’s asked for a divorce and wants half of the equity. Is she entitled to it, or due to the situation and timeline do I have any ground to stand on? I offered $50k which would be about 25% to give her something to move forward with, but if I have to split the equity 50/50 I will be forced to sell as it will take the mortgage to higher than what I originally paid.

Thank you in advanced for any advice! I truly appreciate and do intend to seek a lawyer but am a huge Reddit fan and was hoping to see what you all would have to say.