Pensions valued at transfer value alone
Cash equivalent transfer values can substantially understate defined benefit schemes, particularly public sector pensions.
Settlement Reviews
What Is a Divorce Financial Settlement Review?
An independent, expert re-examination of the financial settlement reached in your divorce — carried out privately, to establish whether the true value of the assets was properly reflected.
A settlement review looks behind the figures agreed at the time. Our specialists re-examine the disclosure, the valuations relied upon and the assumptions applied to each asset class, comparing them against what the evidence actually supports.
Nothing about the process is adversarial. Your former spouse is not contacted, no proceedings are issued, and the review remains entirely private. At the end you receive a clear written explanation of what we found and what, if anything, could be done about it.
Many people come to us simply wanting to know. Reassurance that a settlement was sound is just as valuable an outcome as identifying a shortfall.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for a Review?
Most people who meet the following criteria can have their settlement reviewed. If your circumstances sit slightly outside them, it is still worth a conversation.
- Your financial settlement was concluded in England or Wales.
- The settlement was completed within approximately the last 14 years.
- The relationship lasted longer than seven years.
- A solicitor was involved in the original proceedings.
- You have reason to believe assets were undervalued or not disclosed.
Common Findings
Mistakes We Find in Settlements
Business goodwill overlooked
Owner-managed companies are often valued on net assets, ignoring goodwill, future earnings and director loan accounts.
Property valued at the wrong date
Valuations taken at separation rather than settlement can miss significant movement in value.
Incomplete financial disclosure
Accounts, investments or offshore holdings that were never brought into the asset schedule.
Deferred or variable income ignored
Bonuses, share options, carried interest and deferred compensation frequently sit outside the settlement.
Tax consequences unaccounted for
Settlements that appear equal on paper can be materially unequal once tax on realisation is applied.
What We Review
Every Asset Class, Examined Properly
Pension Valuations
Defined benefit and defined contribution schemes reassessed on the correct basis.
Businesses
Shareholdings, goodwill, director loans and earn-outs examined in detail.
Investments
Portfolios, share options, bonds and structured products reviewed.
Property
Family home, buy-to-let portfolios, land and overseas property.
Savings
Deposit accounts, ISAs, premium bonds and cash held offshore.
Other Assets
Trusts, inheritances, chattels, intellectual property and business loans.
Request a Review
Book Your Free Consultation
Complete the form and a specialist will contact you confidentially within one working day to discuss your settlement and whether a review is appropriate.
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Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experts today
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Your Free Consultation
Speak with a settlement review specialist about your circumstances and what may have been missed.
30 minutes
A focused, unhurried conversation at a time that suits you.
Phone or video
Held discreetly by telephone or secure video call.
No obligation
No cost, no pressure and complete confidentiality.
Think Your Settlement Could Be Worth More?
Book a confidential consultation today and speak with an experienced specialist.