The house is worth around £800,000 with no mortgage.
Jesus wept, and £200/month CM. Get a solicitor, immediately and have them obtain a financial settlement. You could have a mortgage free house and permanent housing and financial security out of a financial settlement from such an amount.
But ultimately I feel uneasy about claiming half of that when I didn't contribute anything - literally nothing!
You made, grew, birthed and raised his children, kept house and looked after him. The law sees your construction as equal. You need to be compensated for the long term damage to your earning ability as a result of having those children and those children need to be provided for.
If I was to get half of it then he may request it is put in the children's names if this is possible?
He can ask for anything he wants. Wanting isn't getting. The courts makes a settlement on the party to the marriage. That's YOU. Don't let him restrict your ability to provide for your children (and your own retirement) by putting money outside of your name.
(he also has 2 other children from a previous marriage).
That matter has been settled. Focus on you and your own children, here.
I think he will want to protect the money in some way as I could marry again, have more children etc...
HE is more likely to have more children, diluting future support to your children. Some men also favour the children of thr present spouse, over those from a previous relationship. You need a good settlement to ensure your own children are taken care of.
In any event, you have a perfect right to marry again and to have further children. I would advise you speak with a solicitor beforehand, though, to find out how to protect.the assets of this divorce settlement from any future spouse (and consider whether legally marrying again would be wise, in terms of protecting your assets).
The Judge is trying to tell you something.
They've seen it all before and know what happens next.
Stop being a "nice" girl. Be a clever woman.