New myth-busting divorce and pensions guide
Many people getting a divorce fail to understand the implications for their pensions, TPAS says.
The Pensions Advisory Service said it wants to debunk myths surrounding pension provision and divorcing.
TPAS has created a “dedicated spotlight” on its website, with new content to help divorcees.
TPAS stated: “We talk to lots of savers who’re thinking of, going through or are already divorced, many of whom have prescribed ideas about how pensions and divorce work.
“Most of these are misinformed with many potential and current divorcees having limited knowledge about their real rights when it comes to sharing pension benefits, during and after a divorce.”
The new content aims to “highlight and debunk some of the myths surrounding pension provision and divorcing, explaining what the real options are and how it all works, both before and after a divorce.”
ONS figures showed in 2014 there were 111,169 divorces in England and Wales, with the highest among men aged 45-49 and women aged 40-44.
Michelle Cracknell, TPAS chief executive, said: “Here at TPAS, we frequently see examples of divorcing individuals whose biggest asset is their pension, with many daunted at the prospect of needing to consider it as part of their divorce settlement.
“The majority of people aren’t aware of their options when it comes to sharing a pension and others don’t know that it can even be included as a financial asset.”
She said: “The new content and campaign we’re launching today, we hope will provide consumers with better insight into what pensions and divorce really looks like and offer them the help and support they need, regardless of what point in the journey they are on.”
“The spotlight, online content and accompanying social media campaign launched today will help provide information about the things pension savers should think about and consider if they thinking of divorcing or going through the process.”