How much can a woman get away with during a divorce?

Here is the story. My best friend's boyfriend has been married for 5 years but separated for 4 and now finally getting divorce. To my knowledge they only lived together for the first year within that year they had a child. Due to his career, he has proof that they lived in different states and wasn't supporting her during the last four years. She has kept a job except for just recently when she started school. Even then, he hasn't been supporting her but he does take care of his son. He was just served with the papers. The ex wants alimony, back child support since 2004, full custody, etc. Is this possible for the ex to get alimony when he has proof that he wasn't supporting her? Could back child support be granted when he was there for his child? Would it be wise to contest to what the ex wants or just go along with the process?