Typically the non-wage earner in a marriage can get alimony due to their diminished employability. Expect to pay one year for every 5 married years. That enables the non-wager earner to figure out how to get an income in the meantime. The longer they've been out of the market, the longer it'll take them to be employable.
Now, if there's a huge income imbalance, the lower earning spouse can also seek some level of alimony to maintain the level of "lifestyle". But in most cases, the courts will determine what, if any, disparity would require alimony.
Go the mediation route. I'd rather pay alimony to my ex-wife for the next year and a half than fork over 2x that amount to lawyers trying to screw me.
Note to all you young-uns out there. I HIGHLY recommend prenuptial agreements. If either party won't sign, it's obvious you aren't thinking about the future.