Splitting Finances

I'm keen to hear of others experiences when it comes to splitting finances in a divorce. I know the starting point is 50/50 of everything and that there is consideration for children etc. but I haven't yet found any good information about what my obligations are to my wife. Suppose I was to retain the family house and raise my children (15 and 12) - what can I be ordered by pay my wife?

I'm perfectly capable of maintaining the family home (i've always paid for everything) and providing a good life for our children (I also pay for holidays, days out etc.). What I can't do is also provide her with a 3-bedroom house so that the kids can stay with her half the time (which is what she is thinking). Can she really force me to sell the house and give her half of everything when she is the one that wants to leave?

Am I obligated to give her the lifestyle she wants? My primary concern is stability and continuity for our children, and like I said, I can do that without her. She has mentioned mediation and legal action, which feels like a grasp at getting everything she possibly can - then in the next conversation she says let's discuss how to do something without selling the family home, that she doesn't want to go after my pension etc.

It's still new so I guess she has many thoughts going through her head, as do I - it's just exhausting to keep up with it all, and do a fully time job, and I work from home so have both kids at home with me on Easter holidays right now! 🙂 Anyway, if anyone is willing to share their experiences I would be grateful for a little hope.