Newbee…
I’ve been a family law attorney almost 40 years. My experience is specific to CT and Florida.
Yes there are a few shysters out there who try to milk every dollar from clients, but they get slapped down by the Bar overseers after a few complaints.
It is always the horror stories that one hears. No one goes around talking about their great divorce experience. In the frum community there is little talk about divorce because it may ruin the children’s chances for shidduchim.
The telling point in Health’s post is that his ex-spouse had a lawyer and he did not. That is a major mistake. The couple is each too emotionally involved to represent themselves against emotionally detached professional representatives.
I wish I did no divorce work, but it is part of being a family law attorney. I tell my potential clients words taught me by my mentor 40 years ago (an old Italian-American Catholic Attorney). You must be fair with your spouse. He/she is not your enemy, you loved him/her enough to marry (and have a family). I will not destroy your spouse. the settlement must be equitable. If you have children you will be connected for the rest of your lives. You want to be included in family events. If you are not willing to share equally with your spouse, please go find another lawyer.