My husband of 37 years went back to NZ in May/2016 to help…

You want to take this to court in Canada before he tries to overseas.

While it's true that you're not entitled to a share of his inheritance at this point, it still counts towards his asset base and income for the purposes of paying you spousal support. He knows this, which is why he's threatening that you won't see a penny if you try.

Of course, you have nothing to lose. Go get a line of credit against the house and go hire a lawyer. Or ask the kids for a loan. You have assets here, so don't use legal fees as an excuse to do nothing.

You'll want an order for exclusive possession of the home and interim and permanent spousal support. It will take some time to process your Application with him being overseas, and it will take time to enforce the support orders made in Canada but it'll be made eventually. And if it doesn't. you ask the court for an order that his interest in the home be transferred to you instead.

Does that make sense?

If the court orders it then he has to pay. And it can be enforced in Australia.

I know that you wanted this to be amicable. But he clearly doesn't.

You could ask the court that his share of the matrimonial home be forfeited to you if he's not paying or participating in the court process. That's unusual but I've seen it done.

Talk to the children, I'm sure that if they have any ability to help you out financially then they will. As you said, rent out some rooms or register with "air b'n'b" or whatever it takes to earn some money.

If your income is low and you have only the house as an asset, then see if Legal Aid will help you with a free or cost-reduced lawyer. If you qualify then Legal Aid might put a lien on the house to secure repayment but that's okay, it's the same thing as borrowing against the house to retain a lawyer.

I can tell that this is very personal and emotional for you. Please take care of yourself too. Have friends around who can support you and see a professional if necessary.

Is there more to discuss about this topic? I'm here.