When you go through a divorce, you may face complex financial arrangements—particularly when pensions, property and children are involved. In this case study, Tees supported a client in securing a clean break while protecting his police pension and maintaining stability for his children.
For context
Tees was instructed by *Sean, a police officer, regarding his divorce from his now-ex-wife, *Elizabeth, and the resolution of the matrimonial finances.
Sean had moved out of the family home, where Elizabeth continued to live with their two children. He was eager to minimise any disruption to their lives and wanted Elizabeth to remain in the property to provide stability for the children.
Sean had also recently been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone treatment. This created a question mark over his ability to continue in his full-time role as a Police Officer. As a result, he was keen to retain as much of his Police pension as possible to ensure financial security for the future.
What happened next?
Sean and Elizabeth jointly instructed our Pensions on Divorce Expert to advise on pension sharing. Our expert also considered whether Elizabeth could offset her claim with additional capital.
The Expert provided two potential approaches:
- achieving equality of retirement income through a Pension Sharing Order in Elizabeth’s favour; or
- allowing Sean to retain his pensions in full by providing Elizabeth with a greater share of capital, particularly in the family home.
Sean prioritised both retaining his pension and stability for his children. He offered Elizabeth his share of the family home, transferring the property into her sole name.
Elizabeth maintained that she should be provided with additional capital. She argued this would reflect her need for spousal maintenance as she transitioned to financial independence, with that maintenance effectively capitalised into a lump sum.
Reaching a practical settlement
Tees advised Sean that the likely cost of pursuing an outcome through court proceedings, which did not provide for Elizabeth to be paid additional capital, would be disproportionate to the amount Elizabeth was proposing would settle the matter.
Taking this into account and in line with his goal of retaining his pension, Sean agreed to provide additional capital to reach a settlement.
This approach enabled Sean to:
- retain his police pension in full;
- achieve a clean break from Elizabeth; and
- ensure minimal disruption to his children’s living arrangements.
Why Tees’ advice made a difference
- Pragmatic, cost-focused advice that avoided unnecessary court proceedings
- Specialist pension expertise, including pension sharing and offsetting strategies
- A tailored approach, aligned with Sean’s personal and financial priorities
- A clean break outcome, providing long-term certainty
- A focus on children’s stability, ensuring continuity in their home environment
Giving you the full picture
If you’re divorcing and need advice on pensions, property, or clean break settlements, our specialist family law team can help.
We provide clear, practical advice tailored to you, helping you reach a fair, workable outcome while protecting what matters most.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your situation.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.
