Pension sharing on divorce: Why professionals need to step up on PSOs 25 years on

'Pensions still remain the most routinely overlooked asset in divorce'

clock • 4 min read

Lawyer Joanna Newton looks at pension sharing on divorce in light of the 25th anniversary of the introduction of pension sharing orders...

Twenty-five years after pension sharing orders (PSO) were introduced, pensions still remain the most routinely overlooked asset in divorce, despite being, in some cases, the most valuable asset a client holds. A recent public survey by Stowe Family Law revealed the scale of the issue: only 12% of people polled included pensions in their divorce settlement, while 66% didn't realise pensions could be included in a financial settlement at all. For advisers, this presents both a professional risk and a major client-care opportunity. Treating pensions as complicated or optional can leave d...

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 Your profession

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

GSI Group CEO on complaints, AI and the latest set of FOS reforms

Mark Buck
clock 12 August 2026 • 5 min read
Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin
clock 12 August 2026 • 4 min read
New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

Designed to attract new entrants into the profession

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 August 2026 • 2 min read