Interpretation Of “equitable” In Property Distribution

Location: RI

I am trying to understand how “equitable” is used in judgements on distribution of marital assets. Wife has decided to divorce me, has gotten a lawyer and is not speaking to me. She has signed a lease at an apartment that is 2/3 of her take home pay for her primary job and the second job she picked up isn’t paying well. I am concerned she will be coming for as much of our assets as she can get.

Our home was purchased after our marriage. It was purchased entirely with money I earned during my deployment overseas, with my VA loan that she consigned on and all repairs/renovations were funded by me as well. I expect her to be entitled to some equity in a buyout, she likely wants half of everything. Is that an equitable distribution?

Married 11/1/23 separated since 11/1/2025. No fault, she has just decided to take her life in a different direction I guess.

My income

$100k/yr job

$2400/mo VA disability (non taxable)

“Shared“ - I handle all finances and all things rental related

$2175/mo rental income from our home (duplex)

Her income:

$55k/yr

$unknown bartending second job

She is living in a $2000/mo short term lease furnished apt that I suggested as this space was supposed to just be time apart to work on ourselves, didn’t want her stressed or in some dumpy/empty apartment. That lease is running out and she signed a $1900/mo lease that I will have no part in paying for.

I am looking for some advice on what to expect with how the word “equitable” is defined and applied. I hope equitable would mean what we get out is similar to what we get in. I fear that it may mean the inverse with how unbalanced our incomes are.