Should I listen to my friend who was recently divorced?

This is a simple one. The answer is absolutely not. There is no single dissolution which is exactly like someone else’s. There are always differences. The experiences of your friend who lives in Douglas County is based upon the advice they were given, the Judge they had, the total value of the marital estate, the education and health condition of each of the spouses, the age, health and development needs of each of the children, the relative incomes and earning capacity of each of the spouses, the complexity and nature of the marital assets etc. etc. Your case is different and needs individualized attention suited to you. What happened to him or her does not mean it will happen to you.