Jessica BirdMore than 200,000 people who divorce after the age of 50 have been forced to delay their retirement, according to new research from Legal & General, released to coincide with Divorce Day on 5th January 2026.
The research shows that 15% of people who divorce later in life delay retirement as a result of the financial impact of separation, with later-life divorces now accounting for 17% of all divorces in the UK.
With fewer working years left to rebuild finances, many over-50s are finding their long-term plans significantly altered.
On average, incomes fall by £7,753 in the year following a later-life divorce.
Almost a quarter of people who divorce after the age of 50, 24%, say they struggle to rebuild savings because they are past their peak earning years, while 13%, equivalent to around 180,000 people, believe they will never financially recover.
The financial consequences are also reshaping retirement expectations. Nearly a quarter, 23%, of those who divorce over the age of 50 expect to live on a lower income in retirement than originally planned, while 32% anticipate needing to downsize their home.
One in five (20%) say they may no longer be able to leave an inheritance, and 17% feel they may struggle to support adult children financially in the future.
Despite the importance of pensions in later-life financial security, only 25% of over-50s who divorce include pensions in settlement discussions.
Almost a third (31%) give up rights to their partner’s pension altogether, while just 8% seek financial advice before making these decisions.
Lorna Shah, managing director of retail retirement at Legal & General, said: “Retirement incomes are being stretched further than ever as people live longer and often enter retirement without sufficient savings. A divorce can make this challenge more complex.
“Our research shows that separating later in life can influence both immediate finances and longer-term plans.
“With less time to rebuild savings, many people adjust their expectations: delaying retirement, downsizing their home, or accepting a smaller income than they’d planned for.
“However, there are positive steps people can take to protect their financial future. Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets a couple has and should be considered in the same way as the family home during a separation.
“Only 8% of people who divorced after 50 sought advice on this, yet expert guidance can help ensure decisions are balanced and that both partners understand the long-term implications.
“Taking advice early can make a significant difference to achieving a fair financial outcome.”
