Hi Lainey,
don't know about different countries either I'm afraid.

When my husband left he promised he would never force me out of the house, he would keep paying his share of the mortgage etc. I know he meant it at the time as it was guilty conscience talking but I knew as soon as the other woman got cracking on him it wouldn't be long before all that changed (another weak man). My lawyer advised to get a separation agreement while he was still in that frame of mind. Then as soon as I had it all agreed I should divorce him as quickly as possible because up until you are divorced he could ask for it to be changed, but once the divorce is through that's it. He can't come back and change anything. There weren't any dependant children involved so it was relativley quick and simple, though I can't say painless. The last thing I wanted was a divorce but the law in Scotland means he could have divorced me after 2 years separation, whether I consented or not, and the little tart would have been urging him to get what was 'rightfully' his.
We did manage it as amicably as possible once lawyers get involved. In fact he was quite hurt when I filed for the divorce as I think he thought he could have his 'freedom' without having to make any commitments.

All the above is under Scottish law so it may be different elsewhere. You need a good solicitor who will work hard on your behalf. Good luck and you know where we all are if you need to offload stuff.