Reposted from Divorce as it was suggested more traffic here:
I'm posting this on behalf of a friend so apologies if I don't have the full facts.
Long marriage and no children (she had a child from a previous relationship but she's an adult now).
He's been having an affair for years and torturing friend whether he will/won't stay with her - hence she's pretty exhausted by now.
Finally made the decision to divorce but my friend is desperate to hold onto the family home and trade it off against his generous pension - does she stand any chance based on the following figures:
He will shortly be 55 and works in the public sector (final salary pension with mental health officer status). Hence he can retire at 55 if he wishes or carry on working and still take a lump sum.
His currenty salary is £30k.
At 55, he can either take a £54k lump sum and £18k per annum pension or £98k lump sum and £14k per annum. She doesn't have a CET for his pension.
Friend's pension (also final salary I think) has a CET of £165k (worth £7k per annum). Her current salary is £18,000 (self employed so can be a bit precarious).
House is valued at £375 (with £285k equity in it).
Friend wants to keep the house in exchange for him keeping all his pension. Does she stand any chance?
I assume a judge would award a 50:50 split of assets but how are the pensions treated? Is a discount figure applied when considering their value to the overall pot?
Sorry for war and peace but he's been so horrible to her and I'm desperate to help. Thanks.