Divorcing couples to split assets worth 30 bln pounds

LONDON, Jan 17 (Reuters) Divorcing couples are set to fight over assets worth more than 30 billion pounds this year, according to a report.

More than 140,000 couples could get divorced during 2007, and are collectively set to have 32.3 billion pounds-worth of assets to divide between them, according to online price comparison service MoneyExpert.com.

The analysis of industry data -- including pension figures from the Office for National Statistics and inheritance tax returns from the Inland Revenue -- shows the average divorcing couple has assets of more than 230,000 pounds.

Property accounts for the largest chunk of that, at more than 82,000 pounds or 36 per cent of a typical couple's wealth.

That is followed by some 65,000 pounds or around 28 percent in pensions and 23,000 pounds or around 10 percent in cash.

Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert, said: ''Christmas can often be the final nail in the coffin for a troubled marriage, because the extra time couples spend together can result in problems in the relationship coming to a head.

''This might explain why divorce lawyers tend to see an increase in inquiries during January.

''Divorce can result in huge emotional turmoil for the couple, and also their family.

''It can be made all the worse by increased financial pressures following a separation or divorce.'' REUTERS BDP BSTO830