Who suffers most financially in divorce?

Who suffers most financially in divorce?

Lower-earning spouses generally suffer the greatest financial impact following divorce.

This is particularly common where one spouse earned less due to childcare responsibilities or career sacrifices made during the marriage.

Oftentimes, divorce can reduce household income while increasing living costs, creating immediate and long-term financial pressure.

Pensions are often a key area of loss. Without proper pension sharing, one spouse may face significant disadvantages later in life.

Housing affordability can also be affected, especially where the family home must be sold or refinanced.

While divorce law aims to achieve fairness based on needs, it cannot eliminate all financial inequality created during a marriage.

Outcomes depend on asset structure, negotiation quality, and access to legal advice. Early planning and accurate financial disclosure are essential to reducing long-term financial harm.