Couples are divorcing after longer marriages, with consequences for their pensions

A quarter of divorcing couples have been married more than 20 years, making negotiations over pensions and inheritance more complicated than ever, says Liza Gatrell New ONS statistics from September 2026 reveal that marriages ending in divorce in 2025 reached the longest duration since this set of records began over 60 years ago. One of the most notable statistics was that some 26 per cent of couples divorcing had been married for over 20 years. These ‘long marriages’ bring distinct legal and financial challenges. Joint assets, including bank accounts, property and businesses, can require complex negotiations involving multiple professionals, creating practical and emotional difficulties. Pensions are often a significant issue. After a long marriage, many couples are approaching retirement. Divorce can derail those plans, particularly for the party with fewer pension savings. One spouse may have stepped back from their career to care for children and the household. While this arr