Going through a divorce is hard enough. The pensions shouldn't make it harder.
Divorce is one of life's most stressful events, and it rarely arrives alone. So it's no surprise if pensions — the most confusing part of a financial settlement — are the last thing you have energy for. But this is one decision you only get to make once, and getting it right protects your future. That's what I'm here to help you do.
Sound familiar?
The questions almost everyone asks at this point:
"Do I even need an expert?"
Is my case really complex enough to justify the cost, or is this overkill?
"Why can't we just split the cash value?"
You've been told pensions are "apples vs pears," but not why — or that a single transfer value can badly mislead.
"Who do I trust, and what will it cost?"
Which expert, sole or joint, what to ask — and how to avoid spending thousands you didn't need to.
Not sure if you need a PODE? Find out in two minutes.
Answer a few simple questions about the pensions in your case and my free check gives you a clear Red / Amber / Green steer on whether a PODE report is likely to be needed. It's based on the Pension Advisory Group's guidance (PAG2) — indicative, not advice, and completely free.
What is a PODE?
A Pension on Divorce Expert (PODE) is a qualified professional — usually an actuary or financial specialist — who analyses the pensions in a divorce and produces an independent, court-compliant comparison of each spouse's pension rights, under Part 25 of the Family Procedure Rules.
Why pensions are the part you can't afford to guess
Pensions are frequently the biggest asset after the family home — and the least understood. Two pensions with the same headline transfer value can be worth very different amounts in real life: a guaranteed income for life is not the same as a pot of money. That's the "apples vs pears" problem — and it's exactly what a PODE is there to untangle, whether through pension sharing, offsetting, or a combination of the two.
What does a PODE cost — and do you even need one?
A PODE report typically costs from around £1,500, rising to roughly £3,000–£5,000 (plus VAT) for more complex cases. That's not small — which is exactly why it's worth being sure before you commit. Sometimes a full report isn't needed at all, and part of my job is telling you that before you spend a penny. Start with the free check; if you'd like a second opinion on your own situation, just ask.
Find, decide, understand — in one place
There's never been a single place to do all three, so I built one.
Decide if you need one
Take my free 2-minute check for an indicative Red / Amber / Green steer.
Do I need a PODE? →Find the right expert
Search my directory of verified PODEs by specialism, location, fee and timescale — every expert is vetted and verified before I list them.
Find a PODE →Find a Pension on Divorce Expert
Search my directory of verified PODEs and filter to the right fit — by specialism, location, fee range and timescale — or see them on the map. Every expert is vetted and verified before listing, so you can shortlist with confidence.
Built by someone who does this every day
I'm Phil O'Connor — a Resolution-accredited financial specialist and trained mediator, and I run On-Divorce. I've spent 20-plus years helping clients, mediators and solicitors through divorce settlements and pensions. There's never been one central place to find, instruct and understand PODEs, so I built it. Once you know a report is likely needed, I'll help you choose the right expert, on the right basis, and ask the right questions.
"He was always calm, kept things simple, and made sure I understood every decision. Having Phil on board literally saved me thousands in solicitors' fees — the best investment you'll make."
A solicitor or mediator?
Use the directory to find a verified PODE for your client. My guidance on when to instruct, choosing an expert and drafting letters of instruction is on the way — or just get in touch.