Why Teachers Should Get Pension Valuations Before Starting Divorce Proceedings

A recent BBC article highlights growing concerns that teachers are losing out on pension entitlements during divorce—largely due to a lack of clear guidance and long delays in getting valuations.

As someone who has helped over 200,000 people navigate divorce over the past 25 years, I can confirm this is a real and persistent problem, particularly when it comes to public sector pensions like the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS).

⚠️ What’s the Issue?

Pensions—often the second-largest marital asset after the home—are frequently ignored in divorce conversations. Teachers sometimes underestimate the value of their TPS benefits, and their ex-spouses may not realise they have a legal claim to a share.

The Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV), which is needed to disclose the value of a pension, is rarely requested until late in the process. By then, settlement discussions may already be underway.

✅ What Should Teachers Do?

At Divorce-Online.co.uk, we now advise clients—especially public sector workers like teachers—to request pension valuations before they even begin the divorce process.

This gives them the time to:

Fully understand the value of their retirement benefits

Prepare accurate financial disclosure (such as Form E)

Avoid costly delays and disagreements later in the process

You can request your CETV directly through the Teachers’ Pensions website here:
🔗 Get a Pension Estimate – Teachers’ Pensions

🧠 Practical Advice for Teachers

Request CETVs from all pension schemes early—some providers like TPS can take 15 months to respond.

Include the Teachers’ Pension Scheme even if it feels too complicated—it’s still a marital asset.

Use a Consent Order to legally finalise any financial agreement. This prevents either party from making future claims.

💬 Final Word

Divorce is emotional—but it must also be fair. Teachers, like any professionals, deserve to have their contributions valued properly. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Get valuations early, especially if you’re planning a clean break or pension sharing.

We offer a Fixed-Fee Consent Order Service for £399, and we always ask clients about pensions up front—even if they think they don’t matter.

Being prepared can protect your future.