Divorce after a long marriage

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

The divorce process is the same after thirty years as after three. What usually needs more thought after a long marriage is the financial settlement, especially pensions and property built up together.

CalmSplit handles the divorce for a one-off £159 and can prepare a consent order for an agreed settlement, with an optional independent solicitor review through our referral partner.

  • No blame, no separation period, no extra steps for long marriages
  • Pensions are often the largest asset after decades together
  • A financial order is strongly advisable
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£159one-off, per person

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

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Why long marriages are financially different

After a long marriage, assets are usually treated as jointly built regardless of whose name they are in. Sharing is often the starting point, adjusted for needs. Pensions frequently rival or exceed the value of the home.

Things worth checking early

  • Up-to-date valuations of all pensions, including any in payment
  • Property value and mortgage position
  • Income, benefits and state pension entitlement
  • Whether spousal maintenance is likely to be relevant

Recording the settlement

A consent order approved by the court makes the agreement binding. Where pensions are being shared, a pension sharing order forms part of it, and independent advice is sensible.

Frequently asked questions

Sharing is often the starting point after a long marriage, but the outcome depends on needs and resources.

Related CalmSplit pages

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