I will be direct. Skirting around the issue won't solve or prevent it. Avoiding it is only dragging on this hell you are going through. You need to meet it head on.

Not sure about where you are but I don't believe he can sell the house without your consent. I am guessing that these are divorce papers.

But, selling the house is probably going to end up being the solution. Most family law lawyers will postpone their fees until after the sale of the house and take their fees from the dispersal. However, many (BUT NOT ALL) will require a retainer to take you on as a client.