Legal insight: A guide to the division of pensions on divorce

'Even a modest DB pension can be worth more than the family home'

clock • 4 min read

Lawyer Jayne Martins looks at the pension sharing options clients have when going through a divorce...

When people get divorced there is a lot to think about so it is understandable that some people, particularly those in their thirties or early forties, concentrate on what happens to the family home or the children and overlook their pension pots even though these can often be one of the most valuable assets in any marriage,  if not the most valuable. For example, even a modest final salary pension scheme can be worth more than the family home. It is therefore essential that professional advisers highlight to their clients the dangers of failing to prioritise pensions on divorce because ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

The importance of defining the roles within a SSAS

The importance of defining the roles within a SSAS

'Poor role discipline can create compliance, tax and fiduciary risk'

Caitlin Southall
clock 08 October 2026 • 4 min read
AJ Bell warns Budget could 'exacerbate' 76% pension lump sum withdrawal rate

AJ Bell warns Budget could 'exacerbate' 76% pension lump sum withdrawal rate

AJ Bell has called on chancellor John Healey to commit to a pension tax lock

clock 06 October 2026 • 2 min read
Rachel Vahey: Pension savers need stability, not another panic-fuelled tax raid

Rachel Vahey: Pension savers need stability, not another panic-fuelled tax raid

'Real-world consequences of allowing pension tax speculation to run unchecked'

Rachel Vahey
clock 05 October 2026 • 3 min read