One in three married seniors admit to hiding assets from their spouse
05 January 2026
- New research* from Co-op Legal Services reveals one in three (31%) married people aged 65+ have undisclosed assets, and over 1 in 10 (14%) survey respondents admit hiding assets worth £50,000 or more from their spouse.
- Almost two-fifths (38%) of survey respondents say one of the main reasons they remain married is due to practical considerations, including financial convenience and property concerns.
- Three-fifths (60%) hold a combined pension between £10,000–£49,900, and nearly a fifth (17%) hold between £50,000–£99,000.
- Approximately a quarter (24%) believe that after 65, it’s “too late” to divorce. Co-op Legal Services Family Law solicitor Ben Evans offers expert legal advice on what steps individuals should take if they find themselves in this situation.
One in three married seniors admit to hiding assets from their spouse, and over 1 in 10 admit to concealing assets worth £50,000 or more.
New research from Co-op Legal Services reveals a surprising level of financial secrecy among older married couples, and highlights the extent to which finances, property and fear of change are keeping many in relationships they no longer feel emotionally invested in.
The new data suggests that while later-life divorce is often contemplated, with over one in ten (12%) admitting having considered divorce, many feel unable to take the next step.
Almost two-fifths (38%) say they remain married partly for practical reasons, pointing to financial convenience and concerns about property as major factors preventing separation, with almost a fifth (16%) admitting to staying married because it’s financially easier.
Financial secrecy is common in later-life marriages, with more than a third (31%) admit to holding undisclosed assets, and over 1 in 10 (14%) survey respondents have hidden more than £50,000 from their spouse.
The research also uncovers a persistent imbalance in financial management within older marriages. Men manage household finances in 58% of couples, and this dynamic leaves some partners feeling vulnerable. Of those whose spouse handles the money, 10% feel uneasy, 22% worry about coping financially if their partner dies, and 14% say they feel anxious because they don’t actually know how much money they have.
Financial circumstances vary widely among those aged 65 and over. A quarter (26%) have less than £10,000 in combined savings, while over one in ten (12%) own property valued at £500,000 or more. Pension wealth is similarly mixed, with 60% holding between £10,000–£49,900, and 17% between £50,000–£99,000 in combined pensions.
Emotional concerns also play a role. More than 1 in 10 (13%) stay together to avoid loneliness, while 14% say neither partner wants to leave the family home, reflecting the deep emotional and financial significance property holds later in life. Almost a fifth (16%) worry that getting divorced would upset their adult children, and 1 in 10 admit they would likely not still be married if they did not have children together.
Among retired couples, only 15% of men say they do the majority of household chores, compared with 49% of women, pointing to a continued domestic imbalance in later years.
A sense of resignation is common too, with nearly a quarter (24%) believing that after 65 it’s simply “too late” to divorce, and one in ten feeling overwhelmed by the idea.
Looking ahead, enthusiasm for new relationships is limited. Almost four-fifths (79%) say they would not consider dating after divorce, suggesting that for many, the prospect of starting again feels daunting.
Ben Evans, Family Lawyer at Co-op Legal Services, said:
"These findings suggest that a significant number of older couples are quietly unsatisfied in their marriages but feel financially or practically locked in. It’s important that people know impartial advice is available and that later-life divorce doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
“If you believe your spouse is hiding information from you and direct discussions aren’t progressing, it’s important to take action. Both parties have a legal duty to provide full and frank financial disclosure during the division of matrimonial assets. Failing to meet this obligation can have serious consequences in court.
“The ideal outcome is for both individuals to reach an amicable agreement that meets their needs. The court’s ultimate goal is fairness, but that principle is undermined when one party is not transparent. Courts consider a wide range of factors and apply discretion when determining a fair settlement. Even if one person believes a financial resource isn’t relevant or doesn’t belong to the other, it must still be disclosed, and the court will decide its significance.
"Equally, no individual should feel pressured into an agreement or trapped in their circumstances. There are options available to secure financial support, even on an interim basis or during legal proceedings, and the court has a wide discretion to ensure an even playing field. This is particularly important where one side is in the stronger financial position over the other.
“In some cases, urgent action may be justified to address pressing needs, and a legal representative can help with these steps.
“The findings from this recent survey are stark, but not surprising to legal professionals as these scenarios occur frequently. Many assume that everything is split equally, which likely fuels individuals taking the risk of concealing assets. In reality, the process is far more complex than a simple 50/50 division.
“It’s crucial to seek early legal advice. At Co-op Legal Services, our experts are here to help at any stage of the process.”
Visit Co-op Legal Services for more information.
Notes to the editor
*Research conducted by Opinion Matters among a sample of 1000 married people ages 65+ across the UK. The data was collected between 28.11.25 and 2.12.25.
About Co-op Legal Services
Co-op Legal Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing legal services in England and Wales. It is one of the largest providers of estate planning and probate services in the UK, with specialist practices in family law, serious injury and medical negligence. Co-op Legal Services’ mission is to help people understand the law, to use the law to protect their future and that of their loved ones. It achieves this by providing accessible, engaging, professional legal advice and support through a blend of digital and 1-2-1 specialist advice.
Co-op Legal Services is part of the Co-op Group
About Co-op
Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by over 6.9 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.