New research from Legal & General shows that one in ten couples aged over 50 use property wealth, such as the sale of a family home or equity release, to fund their divorce.

The report, which explored the financial impact of divorce in later-life, also revealed that property wealth is the most important consideration for most couples at the point of divorce.

For many over 50s, property wealth is their most significant financial asset, with people over 55 holding the majority of housing wealth in the UK, totalling more than £3.5 trillion in property assets alone.

Many over 50s will buy their partner out using savings (18%), with one in 20 couples turning to equity release to stay in their homes.

Despite the complexity of dividing finances, only 8% take financial advice about their separation, according the report which can be found here.