Raise divorce cash

Family lawyers advising on divorce proceedings involving final salary pension benefits should base their calculations on new rules published in the Occupational Pension Scheme Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/1979), accountancy firm Smith and Williamson advises. Maggie Lowe, director of personal financial planning at the firm, says using the new rules enabled the trustees in a recent case she was involved in to increase the cash equivalent transfer values by 27%, increasing estimated retirement income for both parties.