Frequently asked questions from Divorce Professionals

You should strongly consider instructing a report where:

• A Defined Benefit pension is involved

• There are multiple pensions of differing types

• Offsetting is proposed

• Pension values are materially unequal

• Retirement ages differ significantly

As soon as possible. Especially where there are public sector pensions or defined benefit pensions. It can take many months to get information from pension scheme providers and the sooner we’re on the case, the better.

Yes.

Our reports are prepared in line with the principles outlined in the Pension Advisory Group (PAG2) guidance and are structured to assist the court with clear, reasoned expert opinion.

They are suitable for use in negotiation, mediation, consent orders and contested proceedings.

Yes, we act as a Single Joint Expert (SJE) in all cases.

We maintain our impartiality through rigorous process: never communicating with one party without the other present and ensuring that all relevant parties are included in our regular updates

Typically we require:

• Basic personal information about the both parties

• Up-to-date Cash Equivalent Values (CEVs)

• Benefit statements

• Scheme rules (normally in handy booklets)

• Retirement ages

• Details of any pension already in payment

We provide a structured checklist to drive efficiency and minimise delay.

Once all required pension data is received, reports are completed within 10 working days.

We have a robust process to chase providers weekly, to ensure they provide the required info asap.

We provide regular progress updates to assist with your case management and with managing client expectations.

Yes.

Where pension offsetting in divorce is being considered our Full PODE + Offsetting Report will provide equivalent capital offsetting values in increments of £10,000 or smaller if neccessary.

Full PODE reports are needed for complex or Defined Benefit cases.

PODE Lite reports are suitable where there are no complexities but the situation faced by the parties means that adding the pension capital values and dividing by two wouldn’t be the fairest solution.

If a case is initially progressed as a PODE Lite and unexpected complexity emerges during analysis, we will advise promptly.

Yes.

Where pension sharing is appropriate, we provide recommended sharing percentages designed to achieve equality of income or capital, depending on the case objective.

We explain the rationale clearly so that the approach is transparent and defensible. (not sure this is necessary given previous offsetting FAQ)

Absolutely.

We are happy to provide any clarifications you request. Our aim is to support you throughout, not simply deliver a document.

We have trusted financial planning partners who can assist with the implementation of pension sharing. As well as supporting the parties with their personal retirement plans.

We can safely share the data we’ve collected to ensure a seamless transition, saving both time and money.