Divorce after 40 years of marriage

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

After 40 years the assets are effectively joint, and the questions are practical: where each of you will live, what each of you will live on, and how to record it so it cannot be reopened.

CalmSplit prepares the divorce application for a one-off £159 and can prepare a clean break consent order once you have agreed the finances.

  • Pensions already in payment need specialist valuation
  • Two households from one retirement income is the central challenge
  • Wills and beneficiary nominations must be updated
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.

See how it works

Later-life financial issues

  • Pensions in payment, annuities and survivor benefits
  • Equity release, downsizing or a deferred sale of the home
  • Care costs and future health needs
  • Inheritance received during the marriage, and expectations of it

Wills, nominations and estates

A Final Order affects gifts to a former spouse in your will but does not replace it. Review your will, pension death benefits and life policies as soon as the divorce is under way.

Getting the right help

For pensions in payment and complex estates, independent legal and financial advice is worth the cost. CalmSplit can refer you to an independent solicitor and receives no fee for the referral.

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no age limit and later-life divorce is increasingly common.

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