pension and divorce

[pmd.1981]

I separated from my wife 3 years ago and we are now in the later stages of getting a divorce sorted. i am a prison officer and her solicitor told her that i get a substancial pension and that she is entitled to some of it i have only been a prisn officer 2 years so we were already separated Is she entitled to any of it and if so how much. i was under the impression that as the pension is so young it has only a small value. we were only married for 15months before we separated andwere cohabiting for about 3 years prior to marriage if that makes a difference

[Akakpo]

I believe she is entitled to. is the pension mandertory? If not, stot it an reinstate it after the proceedings

[johnny37]

I strongly suggest you go and get your own lawyer. Public sector pensions are a very desirable asset and her solicitor is only doing his job to grab as much of your assets as he can. Indeed he can be held liable if he does not act in her best interests. Normally the spouse is entitled to a proportion of the other spouses pension as part of the marital pot but in your case you started the pension 2 years after you separated which any divorce judge would take into account. If there are no children involved even better.

[johnny37]

pmd - It occurs to me that the Prison Officers Association probably has a free legal advice service for members.

[123everton]

I'm not sure entirely, but I'd imagine she'd only be entitled to a proportion of your pension contributions from the time you were married, you really do need a solicitor. Although I think I'd stop paying into that scheme and fund my retirement after the divorce was settled.
Ex wives are the biggest crooks of em all, at least Dick Turpin wore a mask!

[packmalp1]

Hi there,

Your wife won't necessary get half your pension. It can be used as a bargaining tool. For example for myself and my partner.....

When I got divorded, my ex is a police officer and had a good pension . I was married for 7 years to him. The outcome was that if i didn't touch his pension I could have more out the house. I ended up with the house entirely, but he has got his whole pension untouched..

My partner had a cracking pension for 23 years of work. His ex wife got to keep the house, whilst he got to keep his pension.

So really everything will be put into the pot...Then all the assets on both sides will be calculated etc. You can use the fact that you were married for so small length of time, which will be in your favour I am sure. Although I believe you should be entitled to something out of the house, as your pension won't be worth much at the moment. Usually spouses are entitled to 50% of your pension, but length of time married would betaken into account in your situation.

Good luck, hope this helps