Insights

Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Is it true that some pensions can't be shared?

Not all pensions can be shared, the State Pension and some overseas pensions are excluded. But they still count in the overall settlement, and a PODE ensures every pension is considered to keep things fair.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

How do I instruct a PODE properly?

A well-briefed PODE saves time, money, and stress. Our simple joint instruction template and checklist ensure your expert has everything needed to deliver a clear, fair, court-ready report, even if you’re handling your divorce without a solicitor.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

What if one of us has health issues that affect life expectancy?

What happens when one partner’s health changes the picture? Life expectancy isn’t just a medical issue—it can have a major impact on how pensions are valued and divided in divorce. Getting this right means looking beyond the numbers to ensure the settlement is fair, balanced and grounded in reality.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Can I choose which pension gets shared?

Can you choose which pension gets shared in a divorce?

Yes, sometimes. But it’s not always straightforward. The law allows flexibility, yet the real-world answer depends on scheme rules, value, guarantees and fairness. Before you pick one pension and exclude the rest, you’ll need clarity, expert insight and a strategy that stands up in court.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Pension offsetting on divorce: Why it’s not as simple as it looks

Trading pension rights for another asset, like the family home, might seem fair but it rarely is. Pensions aren’t like cash; they’re complex, taxed differently, and can be worth far more (or less) than they appear. This insight explores why offsetting is not as simple as it looks.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Do I need a Full PODE report or can I get a PODE Lite report?

Wondering if the budget-friendly ‘PODE-lite’ report is enough for your divorce, or whether you need the full court ready treatment? This short guide breaks it down clearly, helping you avoid costly mistakes and make confident, informed choices about pension sharing at one of life’s most critical turning points.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

What’s the McCloud Remedy and why should you care?

If you or your soon-to-be-ex have a public sector pension - NHS, teachers, civil servants, or local government - there’s a legal change that could make a big difference to your financial outcome. It’s called the McCloud Remedy, and it’s changing how these pensions are valued.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

What is a Pension Sharing Order and how do I get one?

If you intend to split or offset a pension with your soon-to-be-ex you need a Pension Sharing Order (PSO). It ensures pensions are split fairly and provides instructions to the pension providers. Here’s how to get one…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

What is a PODE?

A PODE (Pensions on Divorce Expert) is a neutral pension specialist who helps ensure pensions are divided fairly during divorce. They are most often instructed jointly by both parties or their solicitors to give expert insight into the pension aspect of a financial settlement. They ensure that…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

What is a Single Joint Expert (SJE) and why should you care?

A Single Joint Expert or SJE’s is an impartial expert who works for both parties during a divorce (regardless of who initially engages them). PODE’s typically take the role of SJE. This means that they’re legally and ethically bound to impartially work out the fairest way to split your pensions. This is important because…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Do you really need a PODE?

Many couples assume that pensions are too complex or not worth the hassle. Some even agree to “just keep our own” without understanding the long-term impact. But here’s the truth: splitting assets without a PODE report can be immensely costly in a number of ways…

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Kevin Mansell-Abell Kevin Mansell-Abell

What happens when you work with a PODE? A step-by-step guide:

Pensions can be the trickiest part of a divorce. They’re complex, full of jargon, and often undervalued. That’s where a Pensions on Divorce Expert (PODE) steps in - to make sure things are done fairly and clearly. But what actually happens when you instruct a PODE? Here’s what to expect, step by step…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Why do I need a Full PODE report?

A Full PODE report is needed to deal with sharing pensions on divorce when there is at least one defined benefit pension. These are complex pensions and figuring out how to share them on divorce is a big job requiring expert analysis and specialised tools. Not having one could mean…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Why do I need a PODE Lite report?

Not every divorce needs a full complex PODE report. But if your marital assets include pensions you will end up with a fairer settlement, with better long term outcomes for both parties, if you have expert input. A PODE Lite report is designed for less complex cases. When you don’t need a full PODE report but do still need expert guidance and without it…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

How long does it take to get a PODE report?

One of the first questions we’re asked is, “How long will this take?” The short answer: it depends. Time scales vary hugely depending on the type and number of pensions involved, the completeness of the information you already have and (the most significant variable) how quickly pension providers respond to our requests. In real terms it can vary from…

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Who are PAG and why should I care?

The Pension Advisory Group (PAG) is a UK-based organisation that focuses on providing guidance and best practices related to pensions in the context of divorce and separation. Their primary role is to…

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