Towcester Family Law Practice

13/05/2026

Pension Sharing in Family Law: A Practical Guide
When couples separate, dividing assets can be complex and emotionally charged. Assets include not only those owned in joint names, but also assets in the sole name of one of them, such as pensions which are often among the most valuable assets.
Pension sharing, a legal mechanism designed to divide pension assets fairly, plays a crucial role in achieving financial fairness between separating spouses.
Pension sharing is a court-ordered arrangement that allows one spouse to receive a percentage of the other spouse’s pension. This percentage is transferred into a pension in the recipient’s name giving them independent control over it.
Pensions may not be immediately accessible but they often represent long-term financial security and can be among the largest assets in a marriage. This is particularly true in long marriages, where one partner has significantly higher earnings or has substantial workplace or private pensions and where their spouse sacrificed career opportunities and the ability to build up their own pension pot.
We begin by obtaining the Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) estimating the current value as if it were to be transferred today. However, CETVs can be misleading, particularly for defined benefit schemes, so expert advice is necessary, from a Pensions On Divorce Expert (PODE). The PODE report will assist the parties to negotiate an agreement to present to the court.
Whether agreement is reached or not, the court needs to decide how much the pension share is to be, taking into account each party’s financial needs, the length of the marriage, age, earning capacity and any other contributions to the relationship.
Each party ends up with their own pension, allowing both individuals to plan their retirement without relying on the other.
Pension sharing may not be straightforward. Different types of pensions, such as defined contribution and defined benefit schemes, require different approaches.
Pension sharing orders can take time to implement and delays may affect financial planning. There may also be administrative fees charged by pension providers.
Pension sharing itself is not usually taxable but the way benefits are drawn in the future can have tax consequences. Seeking professional advice from financial advisers and family law specialists is essential to avoid nasty surprises in the future.
Pension sharing is important, ensuring both parties can move forward with financial security.
If you would like to discuss pension sharing or any other aspect of financial settlement on divorce, ring me I’m here to help.

26/03/2025

I’ve just received an email from Resolution First For Family Law that I have passed the accreditation in Domestic Abuse work. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse any of its many forms, ring me on 01327 358321 or 07725 811892 to see how I can help. Don’t suffer in silence or think there is no way out of your situation.

25/09/2024

Resolution Accreditation needs to be renewed every 3 years, to ensure the holder of the accreditation has up to date knowledge in their specialist areas.

I have just re accredited in Children Law an Private & Complex Lower Income Financial Remedies which lasts until 27th August 2027.

16/09/2020

I am an accredited specialist for my clients, so they know that I know how to help them.

Resolution's Specialist Accreditation programme recognises members who demonstrate excellence in the practice of family law and in their specific areas of expertise. Apply for the Lawyers' Accreditation by 23 September 👉https://buff.ly/2PwFGqR

02/04/2020

We know that this period of self isolation will be challenging for everyone, however to those experiencing abuse and isolated with their abuser, this time will be dangerous. If you suspect someone is suffering from abuse, share this on your timeline so they might see it. It could be a life saver.

01/04/2020

We are still operating and here for anyone needing support.

24 hour Advice line: 0300 0120154
Facebook Messenger: (office hours)
Email: [email protected] (office hours)
We will also be introducing live chat on our website soon.

Please share!

31/03/2020

Domestic abuse victims are allowed to leave home to seek help at refuges despite rules to stop coronavirus spreading, the home secretary has said.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Priti Patel said current restrictions telling people to stay indoors were even harder for people whose "home is not the safe haven it should be".

We know that if you are experiencing domestic abuse this will be a more challenging time than ever for you.

If you can’t speak, NDAS (Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service) can support you via email or text. Email them, then the worker on duty can give you their number to text them on: [email protected]

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

https://pos.li/2fcaly

The government's coronavirus rules are tougher on people at risk of domestic abuse, the home secretary says.

27/03/2020

"The Law Society has called for long-awaited legislation reforming divorce to be amended to ensure ex-spouses are not left financially vulnerable as a result of pension orders."

Are you currently going through divorce proceedings?
Have you made provisions for your pension?

If you are concerned about how divorce or separation will affect your pension, call us on 01327 358321.
We can help.

https://pos.li/2f8fe6

Chancery Lane says ex-partners could be left financially vulnerable if a pension-sharing order fails.

25/03/2020

More than three years after the government pledged to end the cross-examination of domestic abuse victims by their alleged perpetrators in court, revised legislation has been brought back to parliament to end the controversial practice.

https://pos.li/2f8fey

Measure will apply to all family proceedings where there is evidence of domestic abuse.

20/03/2020

When do Child Care proceedings happen?

When a Local Authority believes that a child is at risk, they have a duty to step in. This could be for several reasons, such as -

• The parents fail to stick to a Child Protection Plan.
• A Police Protection Order - the police remove a child from the parents' care. They can hold the child for up to 72 hours.
• An Emergency Protection Order - This can take place without consulting the parents and usually lasts for eight days while the authorities make further investigations.
• A voluntary agreement - parents and Social Services agree to allow Social Services to place a child with alternative carers. This is known as Section 20 accommodation

Find out about how we help in cases of Children’s Care proceedings
Ring us on 01327 358321
We can help.