Pensions on divorce in the UK
Understand pension sharing, offsetting and attachment on divorce, including important differences across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Last reviewed 4 September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is my pension automatically split 50/50?
No. Outcomes depend on agreement, court powers, needs, other assets and the legal jurisdiction.
Can the State Pension be shared?
The new State Pension itself cannot generally be shared, but some protected payments and older additional State Pension rights may be relevant. Obtain official statements.
Do unmarried partners have pension sharing rights?
Pension sharing orders are tied to divorce or dissolution, not ordinary cohabitation. Survivor rights depend on scheme rules and nominations.