Divorce after 20 years of marriage

Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 13 August 2026England & Wales

After a marriage of about 20 years, the starting point for finances is usually that everything built up during the marriage is shared, with adjustments for need. The divorce process itself is identical to any other.

CalmSplit prepares your divorce application for a one-off £159 and can prepare a financial consent order recording what you agree.

  • Long marriages point towards sharing what was built together
  • Pensions are often as valuable as the house
  • The divorce and the finances are two separate processes
CalmSplit fee
£159one-off, per person

One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.

See if CalmSplit suits you

If you have decided to end your marriage, the application itself can be prepared online. Start free, £159 one-off when you are ready.

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What 20 years usually means

  • Assets are generally treated as shared regardless of whose name they are in
  • Career sacrifices by one partner are a recognised factor
  • Maintenance is more likely than after a short marriage, though clean breaks remain common
  • Pre-marital assets may still be argued as separate, with advice

Get the full picture first

List property, mortgages, pensions with current values, savings, investments, debts and income for both of you. Full disclosure is the foundation of any financial order the court will approve.

Making it final

Ending the marriage does not end financial claims. A consent order, ideally with a clean break, is what closes the door on future claims.

Frequently asked questions

Sharing is the starting point, not a rule. Needs, especially housing, can shift it.

Related CalmSplit pages

See if CalmSplit suits you

If you have decided to end your marriage, the application itself can be prepared online. Start free, £159 one-off when you are ready.

Start free
Start your divorce – £159