For context, she filed "unexpectedly" a few weeks ago and the guy came to me needing a lawyer. 3 kids in school, she doesn't work, wife is from Asia. (Not mail order, he was stationed there.)

My county apparently is special. Divorce is far more equitable and the female judges make women get jobs and are stingy with child support and alimony.

She went into the divorce thinking like a game show. "I'll get cash and prizes!" Well, her lawyer made reality sink in. Her total take from him every month would be about the same as the rent on their current fancy apartment. She'd need a job. She'll lose health insurance. She'd get 50/50 custody and nothing more. She'd make too much in support to qualify for welfare.

So her response? "I'm sorry, I love you, let's make this work."

I recommended that he tear the bandage off and continue with the divorce, but I don't think he's there yet. We'll see.