The end of a marriage or long-term relationship is not only an emotional upheaval—it’s also a time of significant financial change.
With practical decisions to be made about property, pensions, children’s futures, and personal finances, it’s essential to approach separation with clarity and awareness.
Understanding the Financial Landscape
Managing Money After a Breakup
Whether a separation is amicable or complex, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your financial position. Financial considerations during this period often include:
- Evaluating assets, liabilities, and future income needs
- Planning for different financial scenarios post-divorce
- Understanding tax implications
- Reviewing protection for maintenance income, where relevant
- Considering strategies to support children’s financial futures
Further practical guidance is available in resources such as Cleeve Financial Planning’s overview on financial advice during divorce, which outlines core considerations relevant to this transitional period.
Financial Areas to Review During Divorce
1. The Family Home and Property
Jointly owned property may be sold, retained, or transferred depending on individual circumstances. Each option carries financial implications and advice from an authorised mortgage professional should be sought.
2. Pensions and Beneficiaries
Pensions can represent a significant portion of household wealth. During divorce, it’s important to review all pension arrangements, understand the valuation of each scheme, and ensure nominated beneficiaries are up to date.
In some cases, particularly where one party holds a defined benefit (final salary) pension, additional technical advice may be required. These types of schemes are common in the Bristol area, where many individuals are or have been employed by large organisations such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus. Due to the complexity of valuing and dividing defined benefit pensions, it may be appropriate to seek input from a pension specialist with experience in dealing with pension sharing orders .
3. Insurance and Income Protection
Where one party relies on maintenance income, it may be prudent to understand options for financial protection against non-payment due to illness or death.
4. Planning for Ongoing Income
Establishing a realistic financial plan based on income and expenses helps manage future obligations. This might include budgeting for living costs, legal fees, and any agreed support.
5. Financial Planning for Children
Trusts are sometimes used to protect children’s financial interests. Their suitability depends on individual family and financial dynamics. A good solicitor can provide appropriate advice regarding this matter.
6. Reviewing Legal Documents
Relationship changes often prompt a review of legal documents, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney, to reflect new intentions.
Note: Will writing, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts may involve third-party providers and are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The Bigger Picture:
Divorce in the UK
National Statistics and Social Trends
According to national statistics:
- In 2020, 42% of marriages in England and Wales ended in divorce, with over 103,000 couples separating (Harbour Family Law, 2024).
- Divorce rates are highest between the 4th and 8th year of marriage.
- The average age of divorce is 45 for men and 42 for women.
- Commonly cited reasons for divorce include unreasonable behaviour, lack of intimacy, poor communication, and general unhappiness (Harbour Family Law, 2024).
No-Fault Divorce Reform
In April 2022, the No-Fault Divorce law was introduced in the UK. This legislation allows couples to divorce without assigning blame, with the aim of reducing conflict and emotional distress, particularly in cases involving children (Harbour Family Law, 2024).
Regional Focus: Divorce Trends in Bristol
How does Bristol Compare?
Bristol ranks 6th among UK cities for online divorce-related search activity, with 16.25 monthly searches per 100,000 people (The Divorce Magazine, 2024). Metro (2024) has also identified Bristol as the most divorce-curious “medieval UK city.”
Shifting Attitudes Toward Marriage
This aligns with broader social trends, such as:
- A rise in the age at which people marry
- An increase in long-term cohabitation over legal marriage
- Changing personal priorities, with many individuals choosing to marry later in life or not at all (Harbour Family Law, 2024)
References
Cleeve Financial Planning (n.d.) Financial advice when getting divorced. Available at: https://cleevefinancialplanning.co.uk/financial-advice-when-getting-divorced/ (Accessed: 29 May 2025).
Harbour Family Law (2024) How many marriages end in divorce in the UK? [PDF] Available at: https://www.harbourfamilylaw.co.uk/ (Accessed: 29 May 2025).
Metro (2024) This medieval UK city is where people are most likely to seek a divorce. 12 February. Available at: https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/12/medieval-uk-city-people-seek-divorce-20262373/ (Accessed: 29 May 2025).
The Divorce Magazine (2024) Revealed: The UK cities Googling most about divorce in 2024. Available at: https://www.thedivorcemagazine.co.uk/revealed-the-uk-cities-googling-most-about-divorce-in-2024/ (Accessed: 29 May 2025).