A lot of states have laws on alimony, in which, you have to prove a certain level of lifestyle/living/money before you can get money. Future money is not typically considered so he's likely losing half of what he has now before he gets the big payday.
Also, states generally say 'x' amount of years not working, being at home, can allow you to be eligible for alimony.
Typically, a high percentage of marriages fail in the first year (somewhere around 90% last I heard) and then they have a better chance of working out. Of course it's not as simple as that, other mitigating factors can cause it like age, social standing, etc.
Good luck to him. I've been through one myself and it's a sad process but generally necessary.