In cases of divorce, legislation for splitting pension rights allows courts and divorcing couples to take the value of retirement savings into account when deciding upon financial settlements.

• offsetting your retirement savings against the value of other financial assets
• use of an ‘earmarking order’, whereby the benefits put aside (earmarked) for your ex-spouse or ex-civil partner will be paid to him or her when your benefits are paid
• use of a ‘pension sharing order’ meaning part of your benefits will be transferred to your ex-spouse or ex-civil partner at the time of the divorce or annulment.

The pension may be split at the time of the divorce and you will remain a member of the Plan with reduced retirement savings. You may want to review who would receive your retirement savings and life assurance benefit in the event of your death.

Pension sharing is not automatic. The Trustees reserve the right to charge members for any costs incurred in relation to pension sharing.

A legal adviser can tell you more about these options if they are relevant to you. You should contact the Experian Pensions team at Capita for more information should it become necessary.