Can I make do with your cheaper ‘PODE-lite report’ or do I need a ‘Full PODE report?’
If you are going through a divorce and pensions are on the table, you might be asking yourself this question.
The answer depends on your circumstances. The Pension Advisory Group (PAG2) makes it clear that sometimes expert evidence is essential and sometimes a simpler approach is acceptable.
We offer two types of report: PODE-lite and Full PODE. But it is important to understand that PODE-lite is only available in certain situations.
When PODE-lite is Available
PODE-lite is designed to support you for mediation and out of court purposes only. It provides an impartial starting point for discussions, but it is not court-ready, unless your case is very simple.
A PODE-lite report is only available when all of the following apply:
You are not engaged in court proceedings
All pensions are Defined Contribution (DC) pensions
or you have small Defined Benefit (DB) pensions with a Cash Equivalent Value (CEV) below £100,000
You do not need detailed modelling of different retirement ages and one age will suffice
In other words, PODE-lite is for straightforward cases where the pensions are modest and you need a quick, clear, without-prejudice opinion to help you move forward in mediation.
When a Full PODE Report is Required
If you want the court to ratify a consent order and your pensions are more complex, a full PODE report is required. This is a Part 25-compliant expert report that the court can rely on.
You will need a full PODE report if any of the following apply:
Combined pension CEVs are over £100,000
One of you has uniformed service scheme (armed forces, police, fire, etc.) or public sector pension
One of you has a defined benefit pension worth over £100,000
There is a significant age gap between you
You are considering offsetting (e.g. trading pension for property)
There are ‘guarantees’, GMP, Section 32, or other technical features
Health or life expectancy issues are relevant
Upgrading from PODE-lite to Full PODE
For borderline cases, it is possible to start with a PODE-lite report in mediation and later upgrade to a full PODE report if necessary. This is useful if negotiations progress to a stage where a court order is required or if additional complexities come to light.
The benefits of upgrading rather than starting again are:
We already hold your data and case details
You only pay the difference in cost
The process is quicker than commissioning a brand-new report
Why the Distinction Matters
Mediation is about exploring options and finding agreement. PODE-lite can be a cost-effective way to do that when the pensions are modest and straightforward.
But the court’s role is to ensure your settlement is fair. For larger or more complex pensions, judges will expect to see a full, court-compliant PODE report before approving a consent order.
Think of it like this:
PODE-lite = a tool in mediation
Full PODE report = the formal expert evidence needed for court
The Bottom Line
Full PODE reports are required where pensions are larger, more complex, or where a court order is needed. For borderline scenarios, you can always start with PODE-lite in mediation and upgrade later if needed.