How to get my ex to let me buy him out the house

[TimetohittheroadJack]

I've been separated from my (hopefully)STBexH for just under 2 years and I really want to get divorced and move on!

I'm in Scotland, so I know the laws are a bit different When he moved out he stopped paying anything towards the mortgage. He was giving me 25% of his salary (we have 4 kids) but this has stopped after a couple of months as he has been made redundant.

I got the house valued based on the date he moved out and stopped paying the mortgage, at which point there was approx 30k worth of equity. I offered him 15k if he agreed to sell me his share of the house. However he thinks I'm trying to rip him off and our house is worth much more (i have a proper surveyors report) .

He also said he didn't want to sell me his share, he'd rather sell it on the open market. Our youngest is only 5 so I know he can't demand this happens.

I've been to a solicitor who sent him a letter about access for the children etc (which he ignores pretty much) but that letter and one quick meeting cost me £250 - i can't really afford to pay that sort of money very often.

He never replied and will not speak to me. I go and drop off the kids (he lives with his mum) and he won't even look in my direction, far less speak to me about anything.

I just feel I'm totally stuck, I don't want to do anything to the house in case he ends up getting half the house and I just hate feeling tied to him.

I don't really know what I'm asking to be honest! but any advice would be gratefully received.