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.

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.

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.

When pensions are divided in divorce, the numbers rarely tell the full story. The real value lies in the income those pensions can provide, and that’s where annuity rates come in. Even small movements can reshape what a fair outcome looks like and who walks away more secure.

When it comes to dividing pensions on divorce, most people focus on workplace or private pensions. The State Pension can feel like an irrelevance. So, should you even bother including State Pensions in your PODE instruction?

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.

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.

Pensions on divorce can be one of the most complex assets to untangle. The starting point is to understand the main types of pensions and in particular the distinction between Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) pensions. Lets get into it…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

When you’re going through a divorce, you might be asked: “Is this a needs case or a sharing case?” If that question leaves you feeling baffled - you’re not alone. It’s a legal distinction, but it matters a lot when it comes to what you might get from your soon-to-be- ex’s pension, or what you might have to give. Here’s how to work it out…

Skipping the PODE (Pensions on Divorce Expert) might be tempting but it can be a costly mistake. Without any kind of PODE report you risk unfairness, financial struggle and even legal action post divorce. Getting expert PODE input now will provide financial and legal protection and peace of mind, not just today, but for…

The CEV is the amount your pension provider says your pension is worth today - if you were to move it somewhere else. It’s not the monthly income you’ll receive in the future. It’s a lump sum value. A present-day estimate of future benefits. This number is often used to help divide pensions fairly during a divorce. But it’s not that simple…