Do we need pension valuation for divorce

[olivetrees99]

DH and I are divorcing and have agreed split on finances. We have agreed an adjustment for pension (in his favour) between us as don't want to pay an actuary (I'm retired with a DB pension and they charge a lot to provide a cetv) but form E seems to ask for it. Do we have to get one as seems a waste if money.

Not necessarily if you agree to the financial split and it’s not too balanced.

if you can answer any questions that may arise and understand ( both of you) the limitations due to non valuation it should be ok

Thank you. It's actually a 50/50 split of house and savings as we are offsetting something else. However, the financial declaration asks for the information and I can't get it without spending £1k and don't want to. Hoping to do the divorce ourselves and just get solicitor or amicable.com etc to do the financial form so it's not thrown out by a judge.

You can ask for a free CETV.

I'm not entitled to a free one as already taking the pension

We didn’t do full declaration or form e

I’m in a similar position. STBEXH has a military pension, I’m waiving all rights to it and keeping the family home. I am also the higher earner so while my pension won’t be as high a value as his I have time to build mine up. But we’re 8 months in and still waiting for his valuation to come in!! Tempted to apply for the financial order without the valuation but my solicitor has said it’s not likely to be approved without the valuation?! It’s literally the only thing holding up my divorce, conditional order been granted already. Anyone know how long these valuations are taking??

That is very frustrating for you. If I had still been working I would be able to get CETV for free but because I'm in receipt of my pension the valuation has to be prepared by an actuary and is a lot of money. If we were having an acrimonious divorce and going through the court it would be necessary but it's just a waste of money paying for something we don't need.

Thank you. I thought you had to so that's good

Indeed, if we were going for a pension sharing order then I too would have to pay for an actuary. It’s all just additional cost and time when both me and my ex just want it finalised! Especially when we’ve agreed on the finances 🤷‍♀️

You have to complete the form E properly.
you can get a free one even if in payment - make sure you tell them it’s for divorce purposes

Form E not required. Should only used if you can't agree / not amicable.

@racierach you dont have to complete and submit form e

Just realised I’m looking at wrong form. It’s d81 if you agree. Still asks for cetv but allows space for comments so can explain

Sorry I meant d81. You have to complete it with the pension information on.

If you’re already receiving the pension, just declare the monthly amount. That’s the important bit. The judge can decide if it’s fair based on the income you’re getting, surely?

That’s what I intend to do. It asks for cetv but we have estimated the pot required to get the annuity I’m getting so will put that in and put an explanation. Difference between estimated pot and his drawdown is £20k so we are not talking millions

We used d81, inserted estimated values and put in notes.
we did it together and were in agreement