- 14 January 2026
Can you divorce without splitting a pension?
The short answer is yes. There is no legal rule that says a pension must be divided, but it does need to be part of the wider financial picture.
Pensions must be declared during divorce and considered alongside other assets. Even if both parties agree not to share a pension, the settlement still needs to be fair, both now and in the future.
Do pensions have to be split in divorce in the UK?
Pensions can’t simply be brushed aside. Some couples decide to leave pensions as they are, others balance their value against property or savings, and some choose to share the pension itself. The best option depends on personal circumstances and how the rest of the settlement is structured.
When keeping pensions separate can work
There are situations where not splitting a pension makes sense. This may be where both partners have similar pension savings, where the pension is relatively small, or where one person receives a larger share of another asset instead. It can also work where both individuals are already financially independent. In the right circumstances, this approach can reduce complexity without creating imbalance.
Where people often go wrong
Pensions are most often overlooked to allow one person to remain in the family home. This can feel like the easiest solution at the time, especially where one partner may have taken time out of work to care for children and has a smaller pension as a result. A property may offer security, but it won’t provide an income in retirement.
The hidden cost of ignoring pensions
When pensions are not properly addressed, the effects may not be felt for many years. This can mean a lower standard of living later on, limited options if circumstances change, or difficult decisions around selling or downsizing property. What starts as a practical compromise can slowly become a financial pressure later down the line.
Why advice makes a difference
Pensions are not straightforward assets. A £200,000 pension is very different from £200,000 in cash or property. Getting financial advice helps ensure pensions are properly understood, any trade-offs are fair, and your future income is protected.
We can help review your pensions as part of a divorce settlement.