Deep dive into Pension Sharing

In depth articles and guides to all things pension sharing

Stephen Sare Stephen Sare

What’s the difference between a PODE and a Financial Adviser?

A PODE and a financial adviser have very different roles during divorce. A PODE provides impartial pension analysis to help work out a fair settlement, while a financial adviser gives personal advice later on about how to manage, invest or use a pension share.

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Stephen Sare Stephen Sare

Why do I need a Full PODE + Offsetting report?

A Full PODE + Offsetting report helps you understand whether trading pension value against property or other assets is fair, giving you clear calculations and expert analysis before you agree a settlement.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

What should I look for in a PODE? A practical guide

Choosing the right PODE is vital. But what to look for? Appropriate report types, transparent fixed fees, PAG-compliant methodology, strong provider-chasing systems, clear plain-English reports, and ongoing support with implementation.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

How to instruct a PODE

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 and useful report, even if you’re handling your divorce without a solicitor.

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Kimberley Sare Kimberley Sare

Can health issues affect how pensions are divided in divorce?

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

I’m getting divorced. Can I choose which pensions get 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

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

If you’re going through a divorce and intend to split or offset a pension you will need a Pension Sharing Order (PSO). It ensures pensions are split correctly and provides instructions to the pension providers.

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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 does it matter for my divorce?

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 I need a PODE expert ?

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

Working 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 a PODE report take? Pension report timescales explained

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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