Superannuation and Divorce: What Women Need to Know
Divorce is an emotionally and financially complex time—and for many women, superannuation is one of the most overlooked (yet significant) assets in the process. Whether you’re preparing to separate or navigating a property settlement, understanding how super works in divorce is critical to protecting your future financial wellbeing.
Here’s what you need to know—and how to make confident, informed decisions.
💡 Why Superannuation Matters in Divorce
For many couples, superannuation can be the second-largest asset after the family home. Yet it’s not always front-of-mind during settlement negotiations—especially for women who may have taken time out of the workforce or earned less due to part-time or caring roles.
The result? Women are often left with far less in super than their former partner, which can significantly impact their long-term financial security—especially in retirement.
🔍 How Super Is Treated in Divorce
Superannuation is included in the property pool and is treated differently from other assets because it is held in a trust structure. That means:
It can be split, but it can’t be accessed until preservation age.
It’s not automatically split 50/50—the division depends on your unique circumstances and what’s considered fair and equitable.
Super splitting applies to both married and de facto couples.
A super split can be done by:
Agreement – You and your former partner agree on how to divide super (via consent orders or a binding financial agreement).
Court Order – If no agreement is reached, the court will decide.
📊 What Women Should Consider
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when working through super and divorce:
Get a valuation – Super balances are not always straightforward. Defined benefit funds and SMSFs need specialist valuation.
Don’t underestimate its future value – Even a smaller balance today can grow substantially over time, especially with compounding.
Understand the impact on your retirement – If you’re giving up super in exchange for another asset (e.g. the home), consider how that affects your long-term financial independence.
✅ What You Can Do
Divorce doesn’t have to mean starting over—taking the right steps now can help you regain clarity, confidence, and control over your financial future.
Here’s where to start:
Seek advice early – A financial adviser can help you understand your position, your rights, and how to structure a fair outcome.
Review your own super – Make sure your fund is performing, your contributions are consistent, and your beneficiaries are up to date.
Create a new plan – Post-divorce financial planning is about building forward. That means budgeting, rebuilding your super, and investing in your future with purpose.
💬 We’re Here to Help
We regularly work with women going through major life transitions, including separation and divorce. Our role is to help you understand your options, advocate for what’s fair, and support you in making decisions that protect your long-term financial wellbeing.
📅 Book a confidential chat with our team today to get clear on your next steps.
👉 Book here
Your Vision Financial Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 64 650 296 478 and its Advisers are Authorised Representatives of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306. This article has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this article you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.