A significant number of married people over the age of 65 are concealing financial assets from their spouse, according to new research that highlights financial and domestic imbalances in later-life relationships.
Financial Secrecy and Practical Marriages
The survey, commissioned by Co-op Legal Services, found that nearly one in three (31%) married individuals aged 65 and above have kept some assets secret from their partner. More strikingly, one in seven (14%) admitted to hiding assets worth £50,000 or more.
The research, conducted by Opinion Matters in November and December 2025, also revealed that practical considerations are keeping many couples together. Nearly two-fifths (38%) of respondents said they remain married partly for practical reasons, citing financial convenience and property concerns as major barriers to separation. A further 16% stated it is simply financially easier to stay married.
Imbalances in Control and Knowledge
The study uncovered a clear gender divide in the management of household finances. In the majority (58%) of couples surveyed, men were in charge of the household finances. This arrangement leaves some partners in the dark, with 10% of those whose spouse handles the money saying they feel uneasy about it.
Furthermore, 22% worry about how they would cope financially if their partner died, and 14% report feeling anxious because they do not know how much money they have. Alongside these financial disparities, the survey found domestic imbalances. Among retired couples, 49% of women said they do the majority of household chores, compared to just 15% of men.
Wealth Disparity and Reluctance to Divorce
Financial circumstances among the 1,000 UK respondents varied widely. A quarter (26%) of older couples have less than £10,000 in combined savings. In contrast, more than one in 10 (12%) own property valued at £500,000 or more.
Despite underlying issues, there is a notable reluctance to pursue divorce later in life. Around a quarter (24%) of people surveyed believe that after 65, it is “too late” to divorce, although 12% confessed they had considered it. The post-Christmas period in early January is often a time when marital problems come to a head.
Legal Perspective on Financial Disclosure
Ben Evans, a family lawyer at Co-op Legal Services, commented on the findings. “These findings suggest that a significant number of older couples are quietly unsatisfied in their marriages but feel financially or practically locked in,” he said.
Evans emphasised the importance of full financial disclosure in legal proceedings. “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.”
He added a note of reassurance for those feeling trapped: “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.”
