At divorce time assess your existing assets and debts, your future earning capacity, your future expenses — and your divorce/legal expenses.
Figure out how best to divide existing assets and debts. Figure it out for yourself. Be fair and equitable.
Assume existing assets/debts will be divided in half by law. Is that comfortable … fair/equitable? If not, why not — and how sturdy is the explanation?
Formulate your plan for post-divorce life and career. How will the divorce affect your living and working arrangements? What will the divorce changes do to your ability to earn income and your expenses in the future? Be realistic.
If you have children then figure out what it will cost you to support your children and what you will be obligated to pay in child support. Is your spouse going to be entitled to future post-divorce alimony and child support payments? What level of payment (if any) is fair and reasonable? What level might be required by law? Account for those expenses — realistically.
Look at what the divorce itself will cost. Having to move your residence, re-titling property, refinancing assets, liquidating retirement funds, etc.