Division of Property - 17 years later

Yes, if an owner of property wishes to sell that property, then she may do so. You need to consult with an experienced family law lawyer. The starting point will be the current or today value of the house. You need to evidence all of your contributions and efforts to the home since separation. She will be entitled to at least one-half of the value as of the date of separation. Not sure how you are going to evidence the value of the home on separation. With her consent or acquiescence, you continued to live in the home and contribute to its upkeep. You need to deal with the issue of having the benefit of exclusive enjoyment of the property and perhaps the information pertaining to the house being offered would suffice. It would be interesting to know if there was a mortgage on the property and in which case exactly how that was renewed as she likely did not consent or sign any documents dealing with the mortgage.