Often there are exceptions to most law, especially issues concerning family law. Also, judges may interpret the law differently. The law changes over time. Anything written here could have changed between the time it was written and when it is read. Without exception, seriously consider consulting with a lawyer before you make any decision affecting your legal rights.
Property settlements can be complex.
Real estate law, debt refinancing, insurance, pension or other retirement asset division, child custody and support, taxes, or business ownership division can pose unique problems to any particular case. Your lawyer can help you determine which of your assets are marital property and which are separate property, and your lawyer can advise you as to how the court might divide that property in the event of a trial. Additionally, your lawyer can advise you on how much money, if any, you should pay or receive for alimony or child support. There is no such thing as a standard divorce. Odds are that you will find that at least one of your friends or co-workers obtained a divorce without a lawyer and lived to regret it.