Since the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999, the courts have had the power to share pensions between a couple in divorce or dissolution settlements.

Despite this, according to new research by Scottish Widows, seven in ten couples do not consider pensions during divorce proceedings.

In fact, the research suggests that during divorce or dissolution proceedings, people are more concerned that the settlement will result in them losing a pet (13%) than sharing a pension (9%).

This is despite the average married couple’s retirement pot totalling £132,000.

These statistics are extremely concerning and suggest that despite the introduction of pension sharing nearly 20 years ago, they are not being considered in matrimonial settlements.

This is likely the result of a lack of understanding of how a pension can be split in divorce or dissolution proceedings, which include a pension sharing order or a pension attachment order.

The most common way a pension is shared in a settlement is a pension sharing order. This splits the pension assets immediately providing each partner with their own share of the pension pot.

This provides for a clean break between them so that each partner has the freedom to do what they want with their share independently of the other.

While some pensions are relatively straightforward, there are others which carry additional benefits and can be extremely complicated.

It is therefore very important that expert legal and financial advice is taken at an early stage in the separation so that a valuable asset is not simply ignored due to a lack of understanding.

If you are facing a relationship breakdown and need some advice, talk to us on 0330 0945 500, email family@nevesllp.co.uk or complete our Contact Form and we'll get back to you.