Legal Sexism
Hi, I just read Matt Pitcher's blog Legal Sexism about how many women get a raw deal when it comes to divorce because they don't get a share in their husbands' pension.
The issue of women and pensions is a serious one, but it is often a debate that gets pushed under the carpet.
For example, just before Christmas the government scrapped plans to allow women to buy back up to nine yeas' worth of National Insurance contributions and qualify for a full state pension - but the timing of this meant the news passed by largely unnoticed.
It can be hard to get your finances back on track after a divorce. As Matt points out, the two main reasons why women miss out on their share of their husbands' pensions are
1. Wanting the split to be amicable and
2. Bad/incorrect advice from their solicitors
Has anyone had any experiences with divorce/pensions? Or any advice they'd like to offer people is a difficult situation?
Your Replies
I agree that women do get it bad sometimes when it comes to pensions, but get real - we are all being shafted when it comes to pensions, men and women! Gordon Brown and labour has got a lot to answer for...
Without wishing to start a battle of the sexes, there's blokes out there who get a raw deal too. And not just the rich ones who get shafted by money-grabbing harpies (like that 'professional divorcee' in the 'papers a month or two ago).
That said, if a husband's pension SHOULD be considered as part of any settlement, then the advice should be forthcoming. Information such as that provided by Mr Pitcher should surely be common knowledge.
However - 'Legal sexism' is as bit of a strong turn of phrase, is it not?
couldn't agree more, its not sexist its just bad advice!
But actually I find it hard to believe that this is common practice - surely after assets like houses the first thing to consider is pensions?
Perhaps this bad advice is coming from a limited number of sources...?
Just a quick one to any women out there who are worried about pensions.... there is this new pension hotline that offers advice to women. I haven't tried it but apparently loads of other people have and it's been a real hit.
The number is: 0845 600 0806