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A financial adviser today told women they should ensure they have their own pension and saving schemes in place and not rely on their partner's funds.
Couples, whether married or cohabiting, should also ensure property ownership is clearly defined and reflects both parties, she said.
Ruth Whitehead said there are no guarantees that any marriage will last and warned of painful and difficult times in dividing assets in a divorce.
"Traditionally there has been an understanding that the husband's pension will provide for them both later on," she said.
"But for anyone in the 21st century, there's absolutely no guarantee that your marriage is going to last that long."
She advises women to consider three things: pension contribution, capital investments and property.
In 2006 the divorce rate in the UK hit the lowest level since 1984, at 12.2 divorces per 1,000 married men and women.
For women the average age at divorce is 40.9, for men it is 43.4.
