Divorce in USA?

[Americanlaw]

Asking for a friend!
She married a college professor ,works for a very famous college, with tenure, so big city flat, they bought a house in country, both work, one teenage child. Divorcing him after 25 ish years apparently he started drinking and getting nasty and violent. At the moment they swap between places, Friend is worried she will be on the streets, staying a in a refuge, have nothing. Does anyone know what the more likely outcome is? Can’t believe lawyers would let that happen. She is obviously beyond stressed.
thank you!

What state? In most states if they have been together that long she is entitled to half their assets and spousal support if she makes less money than him, plus child support if she has primary custody of the teen. Tell her to get a pitbull lawyer. A good trick is to have a consultation with the three most aggressive, successful divorce lawyers in her area, because then he won't be able to hire any of them. She will only have to pay a consultation fee and can choose her lawyer from the three she consulted.
Was there a pre-nup? If so, that changes everything.

It will depend on the laws of the state where they live. In most states assets gained during the marriage are split 50/50, with allowances for special circumstances. She needs a good family law attorney.

Varies by state, but after a 25 year marriage she'll likely be entitled to 1/2 of their marital assets and a portion of her husband's retirement pension as well as a reasonably generous child support payment until the child reaches age 18.

She should not move out of the marital home and should meet with a divorce lawyer as soon as possible.

There's absolutely no reason she should come out of this in any way destitute (unless they're hugely in debt or she signed a pre-nup).

Personally, I'd make sure I got a portion of his pension and I'd try to get him to agree to pay 50% of the child's college (University) costs.

Thank you - mumsnetters scores again- that’s very reassuring. Good idea to 8nterview all the main lawyers. I think she said he has some big shot lawyer, who may be very busy doing bigger shot divorces. It doesn’t sound like she’ll be destitute which is great.