Around four in 10 (43 per cent) UK adults are aware that a pension can form part of a divorce settlement, according to research from the Money and Pensions Service (Maps).

The research found that only a minority of adults correctly identified pensions as an asset that could be taken into account during divorce proceedings, including just under half of those who had previously been divorced.

Awareness levels were broadly similar between men and women, with 44 per cent of men and 41 per cent of women recognising that pensions could be included in a settlement.

However, understanding increased with age, with 57 per cent of those aged 55-64 and 59 per cent of people aged 65 and over being aware that pensions should be considered.

The survey also asked people who are married, in a civil partnership, or divorced or separated, to identify which assets could form part of a divorce settlement, including the family home, childcare arrangements, savings, investments, and joint bank accounts.

Pensions were the second-lowest-ranked option selected, including among respondents who had already been divorced.

Maps head of consumer protection, Anna Sharkey, said the findings highlighted a significant gap in understanding.

“Divorce can be complicated and stressful. We also know that pensions can be confusing, and as this research shows, they aren’t the first thing people think of when it comes to getting a divorce,” she continued.

“It can be really helpful to talk to someone about your options and how to access regulated financial advice before you go through the process of a divorce,” added Sharkey.

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