In a landscape where divorce often demands not only emotional resilience but financial savvy, experts have laid out a 12-point checklist to ensure a fair division of assets. This guidance comes amid revelations that a significant number of separated couples find themselves forced to cohabit during the dissolution of their marriage.

According to a recent survey, a staggering 36% of those undergoing separation in England and Wales anticipate continuing to live with their soon-to-be ex-spouses while navigating the complexities of financial arrangements. For many, the decision to share a home post-separation is driven by financial constraints, with one in three citing the prohibitive cost of moving out as the reason for their continued cohabitation.

Data from the Family Court for the period spanning July to September 2025 underscores the lengthy nature of divorce proceedings, revealing an average duration of 67 weeks to finalize a divorce order in England and Wales. This protracted timeline suggests that many individuals could be enduring the awkwardness of living with an ex-partner for a year or more.

The 2026 Annual Divorce Survey, conducted by the online divorce advice platform SeparateSpace, sheds further light on the challenges faced by those navigating the end of a marriage. It highlights that 39% of participants felt hindered by the expenses associated with legal counsel, which deterred them from seeking professional advice.

Additionally, the survey reveals the emotional toll of the process, with roughly 33% of respondents reporting negative impacts on their mental health at work, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. This underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to aid individuals through the multifaceted challenges of divorce.

Around 33 per cent said the process negatively affected their mental health at work, contributing to anxiety, depression or stress. 

More than one in five reported reduced performance or increased time off, while fewer than a quarter said their employer provided adequate support. 

Notably, one in four considered reducing their hours or leaving their job altogether, and one in ten ultimately left their role.   

‘Living together after deciding to separate can be extremely challenging, particularly for parents who are trying to manage their feelings while maintaining stability for their children,’ says SeparateSpace relationship expert and therapist Joanna Harrison.

Experts have explained the 12-point checklist for a financially fair divorce, as it is revealed that one in three separated couples are forced to live together through their break-up

‘Agreeing some basic ground rules, even around everyday issues like food shopping, time alone at home and ensuring you have weekly check-ins, can make a significant difference. When couples are unable to manage these conversations alone, involving a mediator or therapist can be a valuable investment.’ 

Financial planner Karen Ritchie said that separation often feels like a juggling act with the usual life tasks needing to be done alongside dealing with the emotions, finances, and legal.

Here, she outlines the 12-point checklist couples should go through.   

1. Council tax

If you are now the only adult in the household you should check with your council if you qualify for 25 per cent single persons council tax discount. This discount cannot be backdated, so it is important you contact the council as early as possible.

2. Child Benefit

If your spouse’s earnings meant you did not claim Child Benefit before, it is worth checking if you might now be eligible.

3. Separate your banking

Make sure you have a current account and savings account set up in your own name.

Often it is easier to do this sooner rather than later to ensure the verification checks show you at the correct address, you are on the electoral role etc.

4. Check your credit report

Apply for an up-to-date credit report to make sure the data is correct and there is nothing you have forgotten about or you were not aware of.

5. Get up to speed on the finances

If your spouse has typically dealt with financial matters, you are not alone. Now is the time to start to get up to speed on: Your assets; property, investments, pensions. Your liabilities; mortgage, loans, car finance.

6. Where will you live?

If you need to find a new home start to consider possible areas and likely purchase costs? Do you hope to stay in the family home? Will you need a mortgage? What level of mortgage can you afford? 

A mortgage adviser will be able to advise on how much you can borrow and what the monthly cost will be.

7. Pensions are often the major asset, ignore them at your peril

Pensions offer a form of income in retirement that is hard to replicate. There are two main types, Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit. 

Defined contribution plans grow via contributions and investment returns. The effect of compound, tax efficient, returns over 20, 30 or 40 years can provide a significant contribution to retirement income.

Defined Benefit pensions on the other hand offer a pretty secure, inflation linked form of income with the investment risk taken by the pension scheme not the member. Find out what pensions there are and do not be tempted to ignore any as insignificant.

8. Private medical insurance

If you are covered by your spouse’s private medical insurance this will likely terminate on divorce. To ensure continuation of cover you can contact the existing scheme provider and ask for a quote for continuation of cover in your own name. 

You can always shop around for alternative quotes but bear in mind the existing scheme may offer cover for any pre-existing conditions and a new scheme may not.

9. State pension top-up

The state pension provides a valuable secure, inflation-linked income currently from age 67. Generally, to qualify for the full state pension you need to have 35 years of contributions. 

If you have any gaps in your contribution record it is well worth checking if you can buy some additional years as it could really boost your income in retirement.

10. Don’t agree a settlement blind

If you can test what a settlement actually means for you. Consider what you are looking to agree to, like how much will you have to live on day to day, how long will you need to keep working, how much you need to earn, and do you need to think about downsizing in the future. 

A financial planner who understands divorce and separation can help you work through these questions with you.

11. Existing life insurance policies

A good time to review these policies is when you are sorting through the direct debits. Check if the cover is still relevant and sufficient for your needs. 

If you expect to be in receipt of child or spousal maintenance payments you might want to consider taking out life insurance for your spouse to cover these payments in the event of their death.

12. Update death benefit nominations

Death in service payments and pensions will all allow you to nominate a potential beneficiary. 

Often these are overlooked and never completed or completed for our partner at the time and then forgotten about. Your nomination will guide the trustees on who to pay the lump sums to, make sure your nomination correctly reflects your current wishes.