Not unlike so many of these acrimonious divorce proceedings. Betty Broderick comes to mind immediately.
INMO, attorneys just continue to escalate the situation. Really, folks like this, should be referred to a team, consisting of a mediator, and a mental health counselor. Get the petty issues taken care of, and determine how to amicably settle the situation. The problem is that many of these people are actually addicted to the drama of the relationship, even splitting up. And it is a power struggle. Rather than, "I don't want to be married to you any longer, goodbye.". It becomes, "I don't want to let that jerk get any money, he is NOT going to WIN.".
They don't act rationally. And they definitely don't put the children as a priority. The kids are pawns in the power struggle.