Just four in ten aware that pensions can be part of a divorce settlement

• January is often the busiest month for initiating divorce proceedings, so MaPS is encouraging people to contact MoneyHelper’s dedicated pension and divorce appointment service to help them understand their options.
• Karen, 56, had an appointment with MoneyHelper: “Pensions are a huge part of the financial settlement in a divorce and shouldn't be overlooked just because it seems complicated. I would encourage anybody who finds themselves in the unenviable position of going through a divorce to get in touch with MoneyHelper.”

The New Year is often a time when we make resolutions and important decisions. It is not surprising then that January has gained a reputation for being ‘divorce month’. 

New research from MaPS has found that only four in ten (43%) adults know that a pension forms part of a divorce settlement, including just under half of those who had previously been divorced.

The findings were evenly split between men and women – 44% men vs 41% women. As people got older a pension was something they were more likely to consider, with a higher number of 55–64-year-olds and people aged 65+ aware that it ought to be taken into account (57% and 59%).

The survey asked people who are married, in a civil partnership or divorced/separated to select what they think could be part of a divorce settlement using a range of options including family home, childcare, savings, investments and joint bank accounts. Pensions was the second lowest option selected, including amongst those previously divorced.

Karen, 56, had an appointment with MoneyHelper, and said:

“I would encourage anybody who finds themselves in the unenviable position of going through a divorce to get in touch with MoneyHelper.

“Pensions are a huge part of the financial settlement in a divorce and shouldn't be overlooked just because it seems complicated and overwhelming. The team at MoneyHelper were great at explaining and simplifying it for me and signposting to further resources. And unbelievably it was all free! I wish I'd contacted them earlier.”

MaPS is encouraging people who may be considering or are going through a divorce, to talk to an expert at MoneyHelper, for free, impartial guidance.

During your pensions and divorce appointment, you'll speak with one of our pension specialists who will:

• explain the pension options available during a divorce/dissolution
• help you understand what to consider and the questions to ask
• guide you on your next steps, including where to find additional help and how to access regulated financial advice if needed.

Anna Sharkey from the Money and Pensions Service, said:

“Divorce can be complicated and stressful. We also know that pensions can be confusing, and as this research shows, they aren’t the first thing people think of when it comes to getting a divorce.

“It can be really helpful to talk to someone about your options and how to access regulated financial advice before you go through the process of a divorce.”

Visit the MoneyHelper websiteOpens in a new window for more information on pensions and divorce, including how to book a free pensions and divorce appointmentOpens in a new window.

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Additional case study for use

Sarah*, 53 years old, said: “My pensions were one of the first things my solicitor told me to look at, because they are very small in comparison to my ex-husband’s. I didn’t understand how pensions are treated in divorce and what a PODE, Pensions On Divorce Expert, does and the advisor talked me through this.  The advisor was also incredibly sympathetic which I was grateful for.”

*not her real name

• This research took place between 3-8 December 2025 and was conducted using a blend of online panels. This means the interview was a self-completion exercise making it easier for people to answer honestly about their personal situation.
• The survey was conducted across 2,231 people who are married, in a civil partnership or had been divorced. This was representative of the UK in terms of gender and region/nation.