Nearly one in three (31%) married people aged 65 and over have kept some assets secret from their spouse, according to research commissioned by Co-op Legal Services. The survey of 1,000 married individuals aged 65-plus across the UK found that 14% have hidden assets worth £50,000 or more.
The research also revealed that 38% of older married couples remain together for practical reasons, with financial convenience and concerns about property cited as major factors preventing separation. One in six (16%) said it is financially easier to stay married.
Men manage household finances in the majority (58%) of couples surveyed. Among those whose spouse handles the money, 10% feel uneasy, 22% worry about coping financially if their partner dies, and 14% feel anxious because they do not know how much money they have.
Domestic imbalances were also identified: among retired couples, 15% of men said they do the majority of household chores compared to 49% of women. Financial circumstances varied widely, with 26% having combined savings of less than £10,000, while 12% own property valued at £500,000 or more.
Around a quarter (24%) of respondents believe that after age 65 it is “too late” to divorce, although 12% have considered divorce. Ben Evans, a 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.”
Evans emphasized that courts require full disclosure of financial resources and have discretion to ensure fair settlements. “No individual should feel pressured into an agreement or trapped in their circumstances,” he added. The survey was conducted by Opinion Matters in November and December 2025.
