Legal 500 has further consolidated the reputation of niche family law firm Jones Myers by naming the practice among the country’s best-performing practices for delivering Client Satisfaction.  

The accolade is based on the firm’s Net Promoter Score – a key metric which measures client loyalty and satisfaction – and determines if clients would recommend the practice on a scale of zero to ten. The honour is also based on Jones Myers’ sector knowledge and its billing and efficiency processes.

Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell, said: “Delivering excellence and client satisfaction in family law is the bedrock upon which our practice was founded over thirty years ago and it is wonderful that Legal 500 has named us among the country’s best-performing practices.

“Legal 500 also recognises our sector knowledge which is second to none and attributable to how we attract the best lawyers in our field. We sincerely thank our talented teams who work tirelessly to secure the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”  

Consistently ranked in Band 1 by Legal 500’s annual guides based on client testimonials, the 2026 edition describes the team as “Fantastic ….very personable. They give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations. They work collaboratively with counsel to find the best solution for the clients”   

Legal 500’s acknowledgement also reinforces the firm’s strong standing on Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site which ranks Jones Myers in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services. 

Awarded a consistent 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating by clients, the firm consistently outperforms its peers nationwide.  

Delivering every aspect of family law, Jones Myers specialists’ include an in-house barrister, a  mediator, and a specialist in collaborative family practice.  

As well as being an acclaimed leader in financial remedy proceedings, shareholder issues, property portfolios, complex pension schemes and offshore trusts, the firm’s Children’s Department is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters and international child abduction.

Described as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ by judges, Jones Myers clinched first place in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards for two consecutive years. In 2024 the firm won the nationwide  Outstanding Client Care category in The Modern Law Private Client Awards and was Highly Commended in the same category in the 2025 awards.

Founded in 1992 as among the first specialist firms of its kind, the practice has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate.

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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By Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell – Mediator, Child Inclusive Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

The fear of starting all over again and all the financial worry that can bring with it can understandably have a profound effect on many people going through divorce or separation.

This anxiety can be particularly acute for those who have not had to deal with financial practicalities such as tax, standing orders and direct debits during their relationship.  

Below are some insights to help you stay on the right financial track.

Be Open and Honest

Not sharing financial information during a relationship can contribute to problems during divorce proceedings. 

One spouse may have no idea where the budget line is – or even where it should be drawn – and may have unrealistic expectations of what they are entitled to, or what is a realistic and affordable. 

One spouse may have hidden savings or income from the other or scrutinised the other’s spending without being transparent about their own. On divorce, there is nowhere to hide. It is fundamental that both spouses fully and frankly disclose everything they have to each other as a starting point for an informed negotiation.

The Importance of Financial Disclosure   

In every divorce, separating couples must provide to the other full details of their assets, income, pension and liabilities. This is known as financial disclosure.

Financial disclosure ensures that both spouses can make fully informed decisions about what they consider to be a fair settlement. A failure to disclose anything material to the settlement can in some cases lead to an agreement being set aside. Lawyers and judges know every trick in the book and will ask questions if they suspect that money has been concealed. They may even employ forensic accountants to track down missing assets.

Don’t be tempted to hide money in offshore banks. These still have to be disclosed.  If you do not provide everything that is necessary to understand the financial position, family courts have the power to question your accountant, your financial advisor and even your bank manager.

Setting up a new business shortly before separation may well be seen as suspicious or even a deliberate attempt to hide assets. Taking steps designed to put money beyond the reach of your spouse could lead to injunctions being made against you, freezing assets, or ordering the return of monies from third parties.  In the long run, actions such as these are highly unlikely to succeed and will almost certainly damage your credibility in the eyes of the court.

The Penalties of Concealing Assets

If it later comes to light that you have withheld material financial information during the financial disclosure process, your spouse might be able to ask the court to set aside the Financial Consent Order and relook at what would be a fair order – taking into account all the assets, including those not previously disclosed.

The court can also make an order that you pay your ex’s legal costs. In the worst-case scenario, deliberately withholding financial information in breach of a court order can amount to a contempt of court for which a range of penalties (including ultimately imprisonment) could be imposed.  

Include Pensions in Financial Settlements

Frequently overlooked in financial settlements, pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets of a marriage. They often make up the second highest- value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home – or sometimes the highest.

It is key that information about pensions is made available in the financial disclosure process which must include details of all pensions, including state pensions – and the value of each one.

Pension sharing, the most common way in which a disparity in pensions is addressed in a divorce settlement, splits the pensions immediately and provides a clean break

As an alternative, in some cases ex-spouses prefer to take a greater share of the equity in the family home or other capital, as a trade-off for a share of the other’s pension.

Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which arrangements should be shared, and to what extent.  Pensions are complex and, save in very straightforward cases with pensions of limited value, it is important to get specialist advice about them before agreeing a settlement. 

The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a member of the scheme) or external when the share must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party. Care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer.

In deciding what is best for them, the couple need to consider how their respective financial needs will be met and what other assets are available for distribution.

As part of our holistic approach, Jones Myers advises and guides our clients through the stages of divorce during and after their divorce.

Part 2 of this article will include how financial planning can prove useful, the importance of a formal Financial Order – and how to plan for your finances post-divorce.    

This article was originally commissioned for, and published in, The Divorce Magazine.

Image courtesy of Unseen Studio on Unsplash

For queries on pensions in divorce or any aspect of family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025

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By Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell – Mediator, Child Inclusive Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

As I receive an increase in the volume of divorce enquiries after the challenges of the festive season, I cannot emphasise enough the critical role that pensions play in financial settlements.

Their importance has been further re-inforced by financial analysts’ New Year calculations that spouses could lose up to £665K by overlooking pensions and failing to take them into account in divorce settlements.

Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets of a marriage, often making up the second highest – or sometimes the highest – value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home.

It is key that information about pensions is made available in the financial disclosure process, which must take place before any binding financial settlement can be made.

Disclosure must include details of all pensions, including state pensions – and the value of each one. This ensures that couples are able to make informed decisions as to what a fair settlement looks like for them

The most common way in which a disparity in pensions is addressed in a divorce settlement is pension sharing which provides a clean break between parties, as the pension assets are split immediately.

Alternatively, in some cases ex-spouses prefer to take a greater share of the equity in the family home or other capital, as a trade-off for a share of the other’s pension.

Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which arrangements should be shared, and to what extent.

The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a member of the scheme) or external when the share must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party. Care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer.

In deciding what is best for them, the couple need to consider how their respective financial needs will be met and what other assets are available for distribution.

Alternative and non-confrontational ways for divorcing couples to reach a financial settlement without a lengthy and expensive court process include Mediation and Collaborative Family Law.

Both options – in which I have extensive expertise – are conducted in a spirit of mutual co-operation and put children’s best interest first.

At Jones Myers we always recommend that divorcing couples seek expert advice from highly experienced lawyers regarding their finances. Independent Financial Advisers can assist with pension valuations and projected future incomes.

Taking guidance early on will avoid the risk of losing out on what could be a substantial pension sharing provision that spouses are entitled to – and which can prevent long-term financial issues.

For queries on pensions in divorce or any aspect of family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025

Image by Denys Nevozhai, Unsplash.

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Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell, is celebrating a career in family law spanning thirty years.

A skilled family lawyer, mediator and child inclusive mediator, Nicki was York’s first collaborative family lawyer in 2006.

She is a highly respected pioneer of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – non confrontational and constructive options for divorcing and separating couples which avoid going to court.

Nicki’s extensive expertise includes the financial aspects of divorce and separation, particularly complex cases involving family businesses, multiple properties, and complicated pension arrangements.

Jones Myers’ reputation in York as a leader in family law continues to go from strength to strength after Nicki headed the firm’s expansion to the city in 2019. Three years later the team marked further growth to bigger premises at Bootham Row in line with client demand.

The Legal 500 2025 Guide endorses Nicki as a Recommended UK Lawyer, who has “established a strong niche family law presence in York with an enviable reputation for specialist and tailored family law services”.

Nicki also retains her listing in the Family and Matrimonial category of the latest Chambers 2025 legal guide and is also ranked for her ADR expertise.

Highlighting her strong reputation in York, the guide says “Nicki has her clients’ best interests at heart,” is “very sensible and very good in her approach” and is “pragmatic, sensible and comes to a positive solution.”

Said Nicki: “My passion for, and commitment to, family law and seeking the best solutions for our clients is as strong now as when I started out thirty years ago. It has been tremendous to witness formative changes including no-fault divorce and the increase in options such as mediation and collaboration which avoid lengthy and expensive court litigation and put children’s best interests first.

“Jones Myers’ reputation for excellence is recognised across the UK and overseas and I’m proud to play a key role in the firm’s continued growth and development.”

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “We congratulate Nicki on her significant milestone and her exceptional track record. Nicki’s commitment and extensive expertise is instrumental to our standing in York and we wish her continued success.”

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, Jones Myers is a multi-award winning family law practice which has consistently achieved top tier rankings in legal guides for almost three decades.

Additional highlights include the firm winning the Client Care category of The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2024 for its outstanding service to clients.

For queries on divorce or family law, call us 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024

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By Neil Dring, Jones Myers Senior Solicitor

A recent study which found that just one fifth of divorcing couples considered pensions when dividing their assets reinforces how their importance as a valuable asset in relationship breakdown remains overlooked.

Almost 30% of participants in the study said that they had actively waived their rights to the value of pensions, which can help to provide for separating parties in retirement.

As the second highest value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home, pensions often make up on average 42% of the household wealth. 

They are vital in the financial disclosure process of divorce which entails producing a full statement of divorcing couples’ current earnings and assets. The disclosure includes full details of all pensions including state pensions, along with the value of each one.

The financial statement aims to ensure that detailed negotiations can take place and enable both ex-spouses receive a fair settlement which could include a division of the pension benefit fund. 

Pension sharing, the most popular method of reaching a divorce settlement, enables a clean break between parties in respect of capital claims. In most cases the pension fund permits a transfer of a percentage of the pension to another pension provider.

The pension share is not compulsory. In some instances, a party may prefer to take a greater share of the family’s home or other capital, abandoning any claim against the other party’s pension.

 It is important to assess how the parties’ finances will be in the years ahead to avoid any longer-term financial problems.

Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which ones should be shared – and to what extent. Expert advice from an Independent Pensions Adviser will help with this along with a valuation and projected future incomes.

The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a separate member of the same pension scheme) or external, with funds being transferred out of the main scheme to a different pension provider. It must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party and utmost care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer. The Court will look at the needs of the parties and what other assets are available for distribution.

Pensions can be a complex area in divorce, which is why This Pensions Advisory Group produced a Report in 2019 aiming to give clear guidance to individuals, lawyers, judges and courts on dealing with it.

While receiving widespread support which included leading Family Court judges, the reality is that pensions are considered in too few cases and are not properly understood.

A revised and updated second edition of the Report was published in January this year. The potential complexity of the wide-ranging issues involved is illustrated by the Report running to 192 pages!

Recent changes in divorce law have meant that the risk of pensions being ignored, resulting in future financial problems, has increased.

The newly introduced “No-Fault Divorce” process which enables people to apply for a divorce without using a lawyer is a welcome and long-overdue change.

However, the danger is that many will fail to seek advice from a lawyer in relation to finances and particularly pensions, and so risk losing out on pension sharing provision that they should legally be entitled to – and have earned over the course of a long marriage.

Our experts at Jones Myers can advise on whether you are entitled to a share of your spouse’s pension, options for protecting your pension and how to deal with pensions during divorce.

The Chambers 2024 describes us as being “Well versed in cases involving shareholder issues, property portfolios and complex pension schemes”.

For queries on divorce, pension sharing and financial settlements, email me at neil.dring@jonesmyers.co.uk or call 01423 276375.

Jones Myers blog is ranked in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024.

Photo by Irwin Wang, Pexels

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By Senior Solicitor, Neil Dring  

At the start of a new year many couples take the plunge to embark on the next stage of their lives and set up home together.  

Amid the flurry of excitement and celebrations, it’s also important to consider the practical and legal implications of these momentous decisions.  

Statistics from family law group Resolution reveal that almost 50 per cent of unmarried couples are unaware that they do not have the same legal rights as a married couple should they separate – or if  one of them dies.

This lack of protection extends to savings, income, pensions, business interests and property. Unlike married couples who split up, there is no clear and simple process for them to divide their assets or claim help for childcare costs from an ex-partner so they can work.

The findings heighten concerns that cohabiting couples may feel forced to put up with an unhappy and (possibly) unhealthy relationship because they fear financial hardship if they break up.  

As a niche family law firm, we strongly recommend that unmarried partners consider a cohabitation or ‘living together’ agreement to help them decide what happens while they are together and if they split up.

The agreement sets out who owns what and in what proportion. It also confirms how property will be divided along with what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions and other assets on separation.

Documenting how children will be supported, the contract outlines how to deal with bank accounts, debts and joint purchases such as a house or car, along with pet ‘custody’ issues.

A cohabitation agreement can be drafted before or during a couple’s time together. It can also be amended as long as both parties agree that the original agreement should be changed, and how.

The arrangement is enforceable and can be set up through virtual “roundtable” meetings within the collaborative process and can reduce the likelihood of cohabitees being left destitute.

It is important that each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Jones Myers is a long-standing supporter of Resolution’s campaign where proposed reforms include cohabitees meeting eligibility criteria which gives them an automatic right to apply for certain financial remedies if they later separate.

Our family lawyers have extensive experience in drafting cohabitation agreements and, sadly, in dealing with disputes arising from separations where there has been no such agreement.

Setting this safeguard in place can potentially save emotional and financial heartache at a later stage should one partner leave, win the lottery – or die.

For queries on cohabitation agreements or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550, www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce You can email me on neil.dring@jonesmyers.co.uk       

Jones Myers’ blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024      

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By Neil Dring, Jones Myers Senior Solicitor and Consultant 

The impact of divorce can be devastating – which is why our focus at Jones Myers is on helping our clients to reach a fair financial settlement without going to Court.

Emotions understandably run high for those undergoing divorce, and we need to do all we can to control those emotions because relationship breakdown involves families, often with children, who will continue to be families long after they have separated.

When it comes to finances, the matrimonial pot, in principle, is shared equally when you divorce. Exceptions include cases where couples have previously tied the knot and owned properties, shares, and investments in their former marriages. Also, in situations where meeting the financial needs of one of the parties, and in particular the housing needs of the children, means that an unequal division might be needed.

A starting point in securing a fair financial settlement that meets the needs of everyone is for both of you to undergo a ‘full and frank disclosure’ of each other’s financial situations in these three areas:   

1. Assets – your house and other properties, savings, investments, shares, and businesses 
2. Income – whether you are employed or self-employed, along with dividends and interest payments
3. Pensions – the type of scheme and value

You and your spouse are expected to provide information  detailing all your finances including bank account details and one year’s worth of statements for each account. Pay slips and other documents are also needed.  

Doing this produces a detailed picture of the financial requirements you both need now – and going forwards – to protect you both.   

The repercussions of failing to disclose all your financial assets during the disclosure process include loss of trust with your spouse – which can also make agreeing a settlement out of Court more difficult.

If your divorce goes to Court and a Judge discovers you have not divulged key financial information, you could lose credibility with the Judge and face ‘ligation misconduct’ which can include being ordered to pay your spouse’s Court costs.

If, having agreed a Consent Order – a legal document approved by the Court verifying how you will divide your assets, income, and pension – it later comes to light that you have withheld financial information, your spouse might be able to make future additional claims.  

In the worst-case scenario, deliberately withholding financial information in breach of a court order can amount to a contempt of court for which a range of penalties (including ultimately imprisonment) could be imposed.            

While the prospect of planning your future finances may seem daunting at such a period in your life,  reaching a financial settlement that is mutually satisfactory, and will stand up to legal scrutiny, is vital.  

Providing clarity and certainty to you and your spouse, it enables you both to look to the future with security, optimism, and peace of mind.

For queries on financial remedies or any aspect of family law, call us on 0113 246 0055 (Leeds), 01423 276104 (Harrogate), or 01904 202550 (York). Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 8^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

About Neil Dring

Senior family law specialist, Neil Dring, has almost four decades of expertise in divorce and financial settlements arising from relationship breakdowns.

Neil’s strong track record in divorce and separation includes dealing with complex high net worth financial disputes and advocacy. He is also highly experienced in advising on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.

A champion of seeking to help clients resolve their relationship break up through alternative and less confrontational routes than going to court, Neil’s clients commend him for his clarity and common-sense approach to settlement along with his empathy, sensitivity and understanding.

The post How can I achieve a fair financial settlement in my divorce? appeared first on Jones Myers.

A study which reveals that seven out of 10 divorcing couples do not include pensions in their divorce settlements re-enforces our previous concerns about women struggling financially during their retirement.

Even more disturbing is the fact that 58% of participants indicated that pensions were never discussed when negotiating a financial settlement.

Pensions – the second highest value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home – often make up on average 42% of the household wealth. 

They are vital in the financial disclosure process of divorce. This entails producing a full statement of divorcing couples’ current earnings and assets). It also includes full details of all pensions including state pensions along with the value of each one.

The financial statement aims to ensure that detailed negotiations can take place. This is to enable both ex-spouses receive a fair settlement which could include a division of the pension benefit fund. 

Pension sharing, the most popular method of reaching a divorce settlement, enables a clean break between parties in respect of capital claims. In most cases, the pension fund permits a transfer of a percentage of the pension to another pension provider.

The pension share is not compulsory. In some instances, a party may prefer to take a greater share of the family’s home or other capital, abandoning any claim against the other party’s pension.

 It is important to assess how the parties’ finances will be in the years ahead to avoid and any longer-term financial problems.

Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which ones should be shared – and to what extent. 

Expert advice from an Independent Financial Adviser will help with this along with a valuation and projected future incomes.

The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a member of the scheme) or external.

A pension share must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party. Utmost care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer.

The Court will look at the needs of the parties and what other assets are available for distribution.

Agreeing financial settlements which avoid going to Court can be resolved through alternative processes including Mediation.  Here, an impartial third party “the mediator” helps separating couples to discuss issues confidentially and find workable agreements.

There is also Collaborative Family Law where a “no court” agreement is signed at the beginning of the process so that there is a shared commitment to finding an agreed resolution.

Another choice is Arbitration where a Family Law Arbitrator (‘judge’) decides the outcome of divorce financial settlements.

Once an agreement (Award) has been decided with the above processes, details are sent to the court for an order to set in the place a pension share.

Sadly, going to Court is sometimes necessary. Jones Myers experienced lawyers advise on options best suit our clients.

For queries on divorce, pension sharing, finances, or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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News that a man has been sentenced to jail after deliberately lowering the value of a house during his divorce is a salutary reminder of how both spouses must reveal all their financial information.   

During divorce there is no avoiding a full and frank disclosure of each other’s finances. Neither you nor your spouse should put you head in the sand or believe you can squirrel away and hide assets or income.

There are three areas to consider in the disclosure when working out who has what proportion of the joint finances – and for how long.

• Assets – including savings, investments, property, shares, and businesses
• Income – whether you are employed or self-employed, along with dividends and interest payments
• Pensions – the type of scheme and value

Both you and your spouse are required to produce a completed form which sets out in detail all your finances. Standard requirements include providing details of all bank accounts along with one year’s worth of statements for each account. In addition, pay slips and other documents are required to confirm the accuracy of the information.

The next priority is building a detailed picture of the needs and requirements of you and your spouse, both now and going forwards. This protects both of you, ensuring you each receive a fair settlement for your financial situation.

Despite the introduction No-Fault Divorce in April this year, financial settlements continue  on occasionsto remain more problematical and difficult during divorce proceedings.

We recommend you see an experienced family lawyer as soon as possible to obtain a good understanding of your financial rights and obligations.

Entering into negotiations without first understanding what you might be entitled to, or required to provide, can create an unrealistic expectation on you both and it may cause unexpected difficulties in the future. 

It is important to resolve (either by negotiation or through the courts) all the financial issues before the Final Order (the legal document ending your marriage for good) is made to ensure that both parties are financially secure.

Planning your future finances may be the last thing you want to do at such a difficult time. However, reaching a financial settlement that is mutually satisfactory and will stand up to legal scrutiny remainsa priority.

Giving clarity and certainty to you and your spouse, finalising the financial issues between you enables you both to look forward with security, optimism, and peace of mind.

For queries on financial remedies or any aspect of family law, call us on 0113 246 0055 (Leeds), 01423 276104 (Harrogate), or 01904 202550 (York). Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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By guest blogger Ralph Zoing, Director at Harrogate Wealth Management

In my previous article I highlighted how pensions are the most effective way to save for your retirement.

I also explained how women could face a massive £185,000 gender pension gap in retirement, with women in their 20’s retiring with £100,000 less than men – and requiring £85,000 more in their pension pots for retirement. 

There are a number of factors at play here. Firstly, women will tend to have interrupted working patterns and already suffer from an inequality in pay from employment.

This will have a direct impact on the amount that women are able to pay into their private pension provision. Secondly, women have longer life expectancy, and they therefore need their own pension pots to last longer, up to 10% more.

Thirdly, living longer increases the likelihood of having to fund some sort of long-term care provision.

Finally, there is an argument that an indirect gender discrimination exists in the way in which many women are excluded from being automatically enrolled into a pension scheme and in the average level of state pension awarded to men and women.

This is not projected to be fully addressed until around 2041 (but only for people reaching State Pension Age from that year)

Even if pension equality is achieved through pension sharing at the time of divorce, pensions inequality can reappear in subsequent years.  Often it is the husband who can accept a pension debit on divorce and then has the means to make good any losses in pensions through his ability to earn and save in future years. 

Women often find themselves thrust into the role of earner with limited experience, qualifications and retain their responsibility as the primary child carer. Their ability to earn and save significantly towards their new future is often limited and there is often another divergence in the pension provision of former husband and wife.

The Social Market Foundation (SMF) said: “This has continued to increase the need for better advice and guidance for workplace pensions, since it increases the complexity of the pension landscape for many people.” 

Only detailed financial planning that takes into account an individual’s investment preferences, risk profile and tolerance for loss, will lead to successful results.

Building up pension assets that benefit from greater flexibility in retirement will mean more than ever that expert financial advice and guidance will be required – not just during the accumulation phase, but also continuing into retirement, when benefits are taken flexibly.

We have already seen an increase in the number of pensioners opting to go into drawdown versus annuity purchase and we believe that this trend will continue.

It seems obvious to say, it but most financial remedies will involve pension assets and they should be closely examined to ensure that any pension share, offset, or attachment is suitably applied to the relevant assets which will ensure the best outcome for women. 

With over three decades expertise in the financial services industry, Ralph Zoing can advise on all forms of pension and retirement planning. Tel 01423 530277 or Ralph@harrogatewealth.co.uk

For queries on divorce, finances, or any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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