What is a Single Joint Expert (SJE) and why does it matter for my divorce?
Quick answer
A Single Joint Expert (SJE) is one independent expert appointed by both parties to give a neutral opinion. In pension on divorce cases, this is a Pension on Divorce Expert, known as a PODE, whose report can help both sides and the court (if applicable) understand what would be a fair way to deal with your pensions as part of your divorce.
Introduction
If you and the other party each hire your own pension expert, you could end up with two different sets of numbers, and potentially spend thousands arguing about whose are right. A Single Joint Expert (SJE) avoids that situation entirely.
Single Joint Expert in divorce: what does it mean?
It's exactly what it sounds like: one independent expert, jointly appointed by both of you, who gives a single impartial view. Neither side is paying them to reach a particular conclusion. They owe their duty to the court, not to either party, which means their findings are objective and impartial.
Both of you (or your solicitors) agree on who to appoint and share the cost equally. You both send the same questions. You both receive the same report.
Why not use separate experts?
Good question. It might seem fairer to each have your own expert. In practice, it often makes things more challenging:
Two reports, two sets of numbers, leaves more room for disagreement
Two sets of fees. Pension reports aren't cheap, and you'd be paying twice
A possibility of bias towards their own client, amplifying dispute
Delays. Greater difference of opinion = things can take longer
One shared expert, one shared report. It's simpler, cheaper, and more likely to lead to a resolution you can both accept. Courts often direct you towards a Single Joint Expert anyway, so you may end up there regardless
What do you get from an SJE?
A detailed technical report which typically covers:
What each pension is actually worth (which isn't always what providers tell you)
What each of you would receive in retirement in different sharing scenarios
The options available, pension sharing, offsetting, or a combination
Clear recommendations based on your specific situation
The instruction is set out in a joint letter of instruction, agreed by both parties. If you don't have solicitors, you can draft this yourselves with our joint instruction template.
What if we can't agree on who to appoint as our PODE?
It doesn't happen often, but if you genuinely can't agree on which PODE to instruct, either party can ask the court to step in and decide. In practice, most people reach agreement once they've both had a chance to look at a PODE's qualifications and approach.
When should you instruct a PODE as a Single Joint Expert?
Always consider it if:
Either of you has a Defined Benefit pension
Your combined pensions total £100,000 or more
You're thinking about offsetting pension value for property, cash or other assets
There's an age or State Pension gap between you
Your case is heading to court, or looks likely to be
The bottom line
Instructing a PODE as a Single Joint Expert isn't a legal formality, it's one of the most practical steps you can take to make sure your divorce settlement is fair.
What to do next
Ready to appoint a PODE as your Single Joint Expert? We make the joint instruction process straightforward, whether or not you have solicitors involved. Start with our free assessment to confirm what type of report you need.
