Working with a PODE - A step-by-step guide
Quick answer
When you work with a Pensions on Divorce Expert (PODE), you confirm the scope, provide pension information, jointly instruct the expert, wait for scheme data, receive the report, and then use it to help agree a fair pension settlement.
Introduction
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 broadly what to expect, step by step.
Step 1: Decide if you need a PODE
Not every divorce needs a PODE, but if either of you has a defined benefit pension, more than £100k in pension savings, or you're thinking about "offsetting" (swapping pension value for other assets), it's time to call in an expert. Find out if you need a PODE by taking our free assessment.
Step 2: Clarify the scope
Before you instruct a PODE, you (and/or your solicitors/mediator) should be clear on what you’re asking them to answer. For example:
Pension sharing vs offsetting
Which schemes need analysis (and whether any are excluded)
Whether “marital” vs non‑marital pension should be considered
Any specific questions the court/consent order needs addressed
Agreeing this scope early helps the PODE know what to focus on and what information they’ll need to request.
Step 3: Joint instruction
A PODE is generally appointed by both parties as a Single Joint Expert. This means they're neutral and their findings can be used by both sides and the court if necessary.
You can instruct through your solicitor. Or, if you're representing yourself, you can still jointly instruct a PODE. The key is that both parties agree the appointment and provide the required details and documents.
Step 4: Gather information
You'll need to provide initial information about all of your pensions. The PODE will ask for:
Pension statements
Scheme details
State Pension forecasts
They'll also give you Letters of Authority to sign, which let them contact your pension providers directly to obtain the detailed information they require to be able to conduct full analysis. Wondering how long this stage takes?
Step 5: The PODE gets to work
Once all the paperwork is in, the PODE:
Analyses each pension scheme
Assesses how much of each pension is "marital", if needed
Considers options like sharing, offsetting, or cash equivalents
Prepares a clear, court-ready report
Step 6: Use the report
The PODE's report outlines fair options for dividing the pensions. From there, you and your legal team (or mediator) can use it to help agree a fair settlement.
The PODE doesn't give financial advice, they provide an expert opinion. Your solicitor (if you have one) and/or the court can also use the report to help decide what's fair.
The bottom line
Working with a PODE might feel like "just another step" in a long process. But it's a crucial one. Especially when pensions are a major part of your financial future. It can be the difference between a settlement you feel confident in and one that leaves uncertainty or might even result in regret later on.
FAQ’s
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A Pensions on Divorce Expert (PODE) analyses the pensions, explains what they are worth, models possible sharing or offsetting options, and produces an impartial report to help the parties, solicitors, mediators or court understand what’s fair.
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Usually, yes. A PODE is commonly instructed as a Single Joint Expert, which means both parties receive the same independent report.
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No. A PODE provides expert pension analysis. The final settlement is agreed by the parties, negotiated through solicitors or mediation, or decided by the court.
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You will usually need pension statements, scheme details, Cash Equivalent Values, State Pension forecasts, and signed Letters of Authority so the PODE can request detailed information from pension providers.
What to do next
Ready to get started? The first step is confirming what type of PODE report your situation requires. Our free assessment will tell you in just a few minutes.
