When I lived in my marriage in California, the lawyer there wanted $3000 up front & more if the divorce didn't go smoothly.

I ended up leaving & moved 2100 miles away to another state. I've been here 9 years. My lawyer here the whole divorce is only $800.

Oh yes, the division of property was a huge reason why I ended up feeling STUCK in the marriage. House was upside down so even if it sold there wouldn't be any money & there was no other money in the marriage after all the disability & hospital bills & his financial irresponsibility. When I got the opportunity, I left & took my inheritance from my Mom to live on. It bought my farm to get away from him with.

Dealing with them is only doable through a lawyer to let the lawyers do the haggling & negotiations. Hopefully you get a good one that is REALLY ON YOUR SIDE. They can also clue you in as to what you are entitled to BEFORE the divorce is final about maintenance for the kids & in the US, I think that goes through a judge before the divorce is finalized. Not something I had to deal with.