Dissolution

Dear Sir or Madam:

My youngest brother recently separated from his wife of seven months and his wife has filed for divorce. Because he has no money and no job at present, he has neglected to hire an attorney to handle the case. Although he has no assets or property to divide or lose, our father, however, has recently come into a windfall from his business and I am concerned that future inheritance as well as family property/moneys could be "touched" by his wife.

I have asked around generally about the costs of a dissolution and have found most replies to suggest that it can be very costly, upwards of $30K.

Based on no assets, banks account moneys, etc., could a dissolution of this type reach such levels of costs? I would also add that there is one child between the couple and my brother would not contest to just having general visitation rights, meaning anything that can come close to equal time within the law.

Please advise. Thank you for your time and help in this matter and I look forward to reading your input.