What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? PA
Is it common for a lawyer to ask for an autobiography of events leading to the demise of the marriage? Being that PA is a no-fault state, what good would providing the horrible details do?
I suspect that it's to prove 'fault'. There are at least four reasons to prove fault, even though a divorce can be obtained via a no-fault divorce:
1. Timing. No fault divorce requires 2 years of separation if the parties do not agree and 90 days even if they do agree. A fault divorce does not require any separation time.
2. Property division. PA is an equitable distribution state, so actions prior to the divorce can affect the property division
3. Child custody. Child custody is based on what is best for the child(ren). In some cases, there is no link between what caused the breakdown of the marriage and what is best for the kids (adultery, for example, is not usually relevant in custody determinations if the parent was discreet), but in some situations, it CAN be relevant (abuse, for example).
4. Alimony. Behavior of the spouse paying alimony can be a factor. Under some circumstances, behavior of the 'recipient' can eliminate their chance to receive alimony.
If it is YOUR attorney asking, feel free to provide the information.
If you are being asked all those questions by your stbx's attorney, do NOT answer until you have consulted with your own attorney.