business landlord, lessor, and defaulting lesse quit claim.

I leased a used car lot in California for a number years $000.00 per month, remainder now is 13 months, plus option 4 more years. 3 years ago I sold the business cars building and lot to another individal, Day of transfer to the new owner b4 closing of escrow I was called with the new buyer to the landlord 's lawyer office where we met all involved, Land lord with his lawyer refused to sign the transfer of lease to the buyer unless I sighned and accepted to be the master lease holder, according to the lawyer, the landlord in case of default he could easely put his hand in both our pockets, to get his rent money. Business went bad the new buyer stopped making rent pmnts. Landlord now is after me, now me and my wife's names are on the lease, the question is If we quitclaim to our kids, both over 21 we both have good credit, would that protect us ? Do I have any recourse against the landlord in regards to refusing to let me sell unless I signed that form pretty much bend over. The lawsuite from the landlord could amount to a whole lot more that $70 or 80k.
Please advise??????
Joe