I’ll just say this, much of the split comes down to ‘formulas’, from that the edges get massaged. Those include years married, W-2 amounts/differences, minor children, retirement $$ & plans.

I went through a complete settlement, not one cent or any collaboration after the final date. Not saying it’s the best for the next, but worked for me. My attorney costs were just over $5k. Of course much depends on the willingness of both parties to come to a settlement. I know some that end up years in the trenches, literally burning $$.

When no alternatives exist, treat it as something that just has to be done. It has been much better on the other side. Without posting detail, one can do some prep ahead of time. After one files your options are fewer.