In Colorado, once a divorce action is filed there is an automatic stay that prohibits any party from selling marital property. A portion of the equity of the home may be marital, regardless of who is on the deed. This may prevent him from selling the property out from under her. Also, she may be able to obtain attorney fees from her ex husband in a divorce action. Usually this is based on a party's ability to pay, not whether they "win or lose." Usually attorney fees statutes in divorce cases are designed the level the playing field between the spouses. She can file the petition on her own without an attorney, and retain one later. The court system may have a "self help" section on its website with forms for divorce cases, and it may even have a "self help" clinic or other assistance at the courthouse. Colorado has all of this, but of course this may all be different in the state your friend lives in.