Couples who split up late in life face the unusual but serious heightened risk that one spouse will die before the divorce is final, say legal experts.
There is a growing number of so-called 'silver splitters' which can have implications for financial claims, pensions and inheritance, they warn.
But the death of one partner during the divorce process might benefit or disadvantage the survivor depending on the circumstances - they might be prevented from pursuing claims, yet spouses retain significant legal rights.
The issue of what happens if one spouse dies before the divorce and financial settlement have been finalised is easily overlooked, according to Zoe Porter, a partner at RWK Goodman.
She says: 'Unfortunately, this is a scenario that I have seen occur on more than one occasion - don't assume that because you have agreed something between yourselves, your financial position is protected.'
