Divorce or separation is likely to affect your finances. And what happens with your super when dividing up your assets depends on your personal situation. So it’s important you understand how it works.

What happens to your super

Do you have to split superannuation in a divorce?

You don't always have to split your super in a divorce or separation, unless the court orders it. But if one of you has more super than the other, it's something to consider. It will depend on your situation.

The same applies to de facto couples after separation.

We recommend getting legal advice before making these decisions. A lawyer can advise you about your rights, the pros and cons, and how the law applies to your situation. It's also a good idea to check Moneysmart's list of free legal services.

Moneysmart also has a useful divorce and separation financial checklist. You can use it as a guide to help you through the process.

How is super split?

You can split your super with a financial agreement or by getting a court order.

If you and your ex-partner agree on how your super will be divided, you can either:

  • Apply for a court order to make it official, or
  • Tell a lawyer to prepare a binding financial agreement.

If you can't agree on how to split your super, you can ask the courts to decide.

What do I need for QSuper accounts?

It usually takes 3 steps to split super if you or your ex has a QSuper account.

Find out how much you both have in super. Use our Family Law Declaration and Request for Information form (pdf) for QSuper accounts, or the Family Court of Australia Superannuation Information Kit for another super fund.

Prepare your property settlement. Consider getting legal advice about dividing up your assets and debts. Find out more about what to do for your super in our factsheet (pdf).

Send the settlement. Send a certified copy of your financial agreement or a copy of your court order to the super fund/s, together with a Non-Member Spouse Information Collection form (pdf) if it's a QSuper account.

Where to send your settlement documents

If you or your ex-partner have a Super Savings account with Australian Retirement Trust, check the ART website for the right forms and information.

Send documents for QSuper accounts to:

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Post: QSuper Member Services, GPO Box 200, Brisbane QLD 4001
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In person: Visit one of our Member Centres

Send documents for Super Savings accounts to:

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Post: Australian Retirement Trust, GPO Box 2924, Brisbane QLD 4001
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In person: Visit our Member Centre

How much does a super split cost?

We don't charge fees for information about QSuper accounts or paying a super split. But some super funds do. So it's worth asking them so that you can budget for it.

What if my ex-partner has an SMSF?

If your ex is with a self-managed super fund (SMSF), the steps to split their super may be more complicated. So it's best to seek legal advice.

Superannuation after separation

You’ve separated and decided what to do with your super. So what’s next? Here are a few suggestions.

Changing your name

Let us know if you're changing your surname after divorce or separation. Here's how.

If you work for the Queensland Government, let your payroll office know about your change of details, and they'll let us know.

If you work for another employer, please send us:

  • Your request in writing, listing your name, date of birth, and address, and
  • A certified copy of your official marriage certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, or change of name certificate, or your deed poll if you got married overseas.

Don’t have any of the above? Please contact us to talk about your options.

Please note we can't accept the ceremonial marriage certificate that you sign on the day of your wedding.

Advice for the future

Are you worried about how much super you’ll now have for retirement? These tips may be useful.

  • Get financial advice about whether you need to pay extra to your super to reach your retirement goals, or how to invest any super you've received.
  • Try our calculators, such as our Salary Sacrifice Calculator and Super Projection Calculator.
  • Join our seminars about saving tax with super, preparing for retirement, and more.

Find out more about rebuilding your finances after divorce.

Update your super account

New contact details

To change your address and password, visit Member Online or contact us.

Who gets your super

Update who your super should go to when you die in Member Online.

Insurance cover

Check if you need more or less insurance with our Insurance Needs Calculator. Or get financial advice.

Authorities and power of attorney

You can cancel your ex's access to details about your super accounts by writing to us. And consider changing your enduring power of attorney if you have one.

Financial advice for members

Get help to start planning for your new future. Advice about your super’s included in your membership.

Find out more