Divorcing couples should make the most of changes to pension rules, says Gary King
New pension rules that came into force in December 2000 mean members of divorcing couples are now entitled to take up to half their spouse's pension pot. This could mean a hefty divorce settlement, as pension benefits are considered to be the largest of the matrimonial assets, and often valued higher than the marital home or the couple's investment portfolio. Until now, divorcing couples could demand pension rights be taken into account in any cash split, but pensions money could not be touched. At best, pension rights could be 'earmarked' and claimed only after someone's ex-partner ret...
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