Pensions and Divorce Solicitors
“Pauline, Chantelle and team were very helpful and supportive during the whole process. They worked quickly and efficiently to achieve the final outcome of my divorce and closure of joint assets. The process, explainations and communication were very clear and concise which also helped keep costs manageable. I would highly recommend using Purcell for family and divorce legal matters.” – Review Solicitors
How we can help
Pensions and Divorce Solicitors providing expert and compassionate advice on dividing pension assets in divorce, civil partnership dissolution, and separation.
Ranked in Chambers and Partners for family and divorce law, our Pensions and Divorce Solicitors advise on pension division, protecting retirement income and securing a fair financial settlement. We have represented clients in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, and the wider Thames Valley and South East, including London, for over 20 years. We established our firm in 2005 with a clear focus on handling complex, high-net-worth financial settlements, including pensions, with the rigour, legal strategy, and compassion they demand.
Our extensive combined experience in matrimonial finance enables us to advise on all types of pension arrangements, including workplace schemes, personal pensions, SIPPs, final salary schemes, and public sector schemes, with precision and care. Pensions are often among the most valuable assets in a marriage and must be carefully considered as part of the overall financial settlement. We are a tight-knit team dedicated to protecting your long-term financial security and securing the best possible outcome.
As members of Resolution, we prioritise amicable settlement of disputes wherever possible, offering collaborative law, mediation, early neutral evaluation, and family arbitration alongside traditional Family Court representation.
How we can help
Divorce Pension Rights
Is my partner entitled to my pension if we divorce?
When it comes to the financial settlement of your divorce, pensions are an asset within your family “pot” and as such need to be considered. Depending on the type of pension and your particular circumstances, there are several solutions including sharing your pension or off-setting it against other assets.
With a wealth of knowledge in managing the complexities of pension divorce settlements, Purcell is highly skilled in helping you navigate these issues.
Our Expertise
Why choose Purcell Solicitors to assist with dividing pension assets in divorce?
Recognised as a Band 2 Leading Firm in Thames Valley by Chambers and Partners, our team of highly experienced solicitors, mediators and arbitrators has guided many people through complex financial settlements involving pensions for over 20 years. This ranking reflects not just our legal expertise but also our proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes in matrimonial finance cases, including those involving substantial pension assets.
“Excellent service and highly professional. Purcell clearly understood my needs, I would strongly recommend Purcell’s as they got me the outcome I wanted with my family.” – Google review
We are absolutely committed to treating you with the care and understanding you deserve. We know that your circumstances are unique, and we never lose sight of that. Whether your case involves modest pension provision or complex arrangements built up over many years, we bring both analytical rigour and genuine human compassion to every case.
By entrusting one of our Divorce Law Solicitors to handle the pension aspects of your settlement on your behalf, you can reduce the risk of costly mistakes and secure arrangements that reflect your future needs. Choosing us lets you focus on rebuilding your life while knowing that your retirement provision is being properly considered.
Our Pensions and Divorce Solicitors will find the most cost-effective, fair, and lasting solutions for your situation and will keep you informed at every stage of your journey.
Pension Options
Pensions Sharing Order
Pension Sharing is the most common way to deal with pensions in a divorce, with a share of one person’s pension transferring to the other person (either within the existing pension fund or elsewhere, depending on the scheme rules).
This will become a pension in that person’s name without further links between the parties. What’s significant about this option is that contributions to the pension, after the pension sharing order is implemented, will only benefit the person making them and not the other spouse – as the pensions are then separate.
Alternatives To Divorce Pension Sharing
Pension Attachment Orders
This option enables the person receiving the pension credit to receive a defined percentage of the other person’s pension payment, i.e. it continuously divides the pension income between both parties. This is far less commonly used as there are risks to the receiving party and can be affected by remarriage or if the owner of the pension dies, then the payments will stop. Pension Attachment Orders are rare, but this option can be a solution for the right case but expert advice is crucial.
Pension off-setting
Sometimes, your circumstances mean one or both parties would prefer not to share pensions and instead for the side with the lower pension provision to receive a larger share of other assets. For example, if one person wants to remain in the family home and would prefer to retain that asset rather than receive a share of the other person’s pension. Off-setting requires careful consideration of current and future needs, and it is essential to receive expert advice on this.
Keeping Your Pensions
It could be agreed you will each retain your own pension provision if that would be fair in your circumstances.
What We Do
Our pensions and divorce legal services
We can assist with any pension-related aspect of your divorce or separation in England and Wales, including:
- Initial advice on whether and how pensions should be included in your financial settlement, and what information is needed about each scheme.
- Identifying and understanding all pensions in the case, including workplace schemes, personal pensions, SIPPs, final salary and public sector schemes.
- Working with pensions experts and actuaries to obtain accurate valuations and reports where needed.
- Advising you on the main options for dividing pensions: Pension Sharing Orders, Pension Attachment Orders, and pension offsetting.
- Considering whether it is fair for each of you to retain your own pensions, in whole or in part, in the context of your overall assets and needs.
- Drafting and negotiating financial settlements that properly reflect pension provision now and in the future.
- Preparing the necessary court documentation for Pension Sharing or Pension Attachment Orders and ensuring implementation is completed correctly.
- Representation in financial remedy proceedings at court, including cases where pensions are the main or most complex asset.
Our Experts
Who we are
Our core pensions and divorce team is made up of
Pauline Purcell, Managing Director, Family Solicitor, Mediator, Collaborative Lawyer and Family Arbitrator, with over 30 years of experience.
Mandi Austin, Director, Family Law Solicitor, a member of Resolution and an accredited specialist on the Law Society Family Law Panel, with over 25 years of experience in family law as a qualified solicitor.
Lisa Buckridge, Director, Family Law Solicitor, Collaborative Lawyer, Family Mediation Council-accredited Mediator, and fully accredited in Child Inclusive Mediation, with over 20 years of experience in family law
Haidee French – Family Law Solicitor, a Member of Resolution and an accredited specialist on the Law Society Family Law Panel with over 12 years of experience in family law
Stephanie Dodman, Family Law Solicitor, member of Resolution.
Chantelle Pusey, Trainee Solicitor
Professional Code of Conduct
Why our Resolution membership matters
As members of Resolution, we are bound by a Code of Practice that reflects our philosophy. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we work towards fair, dignified outcomes that protect your interests and your children’s well-being. We have spent more than 20 years proving that excellent legal representation doesn’t need to be aggressive or cost-prohibitive. Instead, it demands clarity, strategic thinking, and an unwavering focus on what truly matters to you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all pensions have to be shared?
Do I need a pensions expert as well as a solicitor?
Do I need a solicitor for splitting my pension on divorce?
How are pensions split in a divorce?
How are pensions valued in a divorce?
How do I find a good Pension and Divorce Solicitor?
How much does advice on pensions in divorce cost?
Is my partner entitled to my pension in a divorce?
Is my pension affected by divorce?
Is my spouse entitled to half my pension after a divorce?
What is a Pension Sharing Order?
What is pension offsetting?
What questions should I ask a Pensions and Divorce Solicitor at my first meeting?
Purcell Solicitors Other Services
Family Dispute Services
Our Family Law Services
Helping You Create A Family
Why Use Purcell Solicitors?
Specialists in complex matrimonial cases
Exclusively covering all areas of relationship breakdown including divorce, civil partnership dissolution and separation.
Experts in the field of Family Law
We deal with your unique circumstances with experience, empathy and efficiency.
Speak to us in confidence
Consultations at our Milton Keynes office, or remotely on zoom or teams.
Open communication and guidance
You will be assigned a legal specialist to find the most cost-effective, fair and lasting solutions for your situation.
Skilled in Dispute Resolution
We offer all alternatives to Court and work with you to find the best outcome for you and your family.
Friendly and supportive environment
We are on hand to alleviate your concerns and provide professional advice on your next steps.