Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.

UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person
Family Court Reality (the gap) · 522

Assumption: "A pension is simply a pot of money that can be split down the middle."

1 min read

This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.

What People Expect

Many people assume all pensions are the same and can be divided equally without specialist valuation.

Court Reality

Pensions are valued differently depending on their type, and the cash equivalent transfer value is the usual starting point for comparing them. A defined benefit pension is worth something different from a defined contribution pot, and the two may need different treatment.

Share this insight

Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.

Bridge The Gap

The Gap?

"A pension is simply a pot of money that can be split down the middle."

Court Reality

Pensions are valued differently depending on their type, and the cash equivalent transfer value is the usual starting point for comparing them.

Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.

familycourtbridge.org

Published12 October 2026Last reviewed12 October 2026

Navigating court alone?

A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.

Find your support

Cookie Consent

We use essential cookies only, such as remembering this choice and keeping you signed in if you create an account. No tracking or analytics cookies are used. Read our Privacy Policy.