For those of you interviewing divorce attorneys...don't listen to the advice of one you haven't retained. My college roommate interviewed four attorneys, all of them telling her she would get a large alimony settlement that would last many years. NOT. If there is no child support and the person has a reasonable way to make a living, probably get none. If restitution is needed for gainful employment, the party might get 4 to 5 years of alimony max. Divorce law is written by men and for men, girls. Don't believe those stories you hear about women "taking the guy to the cleaners." This is fiction, especially in no-fault, community property states. Be smart. Hire an attorney and get a reality check before making any moves. And consider that women are typically in much worse financial shape following a divorce than a guy is, although there are exceptions.
For those of you who can't afford to keep your primary residence at the time, be sure you include a right of first refusal so you could conceivably purchase your home later if he decides to sell. You never know what will happen on the other side and there is no reason to not include this in the property settlement. And saves both of you a realtor's commission.
I left my first marriage with a couple thousand dollars from the savings account, no interest in two nice homes or any portion of the investment portfolio. Just wanted no one to feel bad towards me. Stupid, stupid, stupid...kept me out of the housing market for the next five years and I never even saw the guy ever again. He married a very wealthy woman and moved into her mini-mansion, sold my house and pocketed the gains. Look out for yourself. If the spouse is on their own side and you're on their side, too...who's going to be on your side? Be careful out there and be smart!
Wait, should I be scared? 
