Over a quarter (27%) of married people or those in a civil partnership with a private pension do not know what would happen to their pension if they divorced or separated, according to Standard Life.
This figure rises to 30% among women.
Despite the potential financial implications, almost three quarters (73%) of couples admit they have never discussed how pensions would be treated if their relationship ended.
Just three in 10 (30%) believe pensions should be considered as part of a divorce settlement, while nearly half (47%) do not think they should be taken into account at all.
However, Standard Life’s research revealed feelings of regret among divorcees, with one in five (19%) admitting they wish they had handled the pension side differently during separation. This was much more prominent amongst women (28%) than men (9%).
Standard Life said the gender disparity reflects a broader imbalance in retirement savings, with life events such as motherhood, childcare, menopause and caring responsibilities disproportionately affecting women’s earnings and pension contributions over time.
A lack of awareness around the importance of pensions in divorce conversations also leaves many at risk of poorer financial outcomes later in life. Standard Life calculations suggest a single retiree may need around £225,000 more in private pension savings than a couple to achieve a moderate standard of living in retirement.
Mike Ambery, retirement savings director at Standard Life, said: “Most people don’t set out expecting their long-term plans to change, but relationships, careers and circumstances can take unexpected turns and divorce is one of those moments that can reshape financial futures in ways that people may not have planned for.
“When going through separation, it’s completely understandable that pensions aren’t always front of mind, particularly when there are more immediate pressures like housing, childcare or legal arrangements. However, pensions are often one of the most valuable assets built up over a lifetime – and decisions made at this point can quietly shape financial security for decades to come.
“What’s striking is not just the level of uncertainty, but how few couples are having these conversations at all. Taking the time to understand what pensions you have between you, how they’re structured, and how they might be treated in the event of separation can help people make more informed decisions. It can also play an important role in helping ensure both parties are able to build financial security in later life.”
