14 April 2026

Pension on Divorce Expert (PODE) report timeline: What happens, when it happens, and why it can take time 

A Pension on Divorce Expert (PODE) report exists to bring clarity. It’s an independent report used in divorce and financial proceedings to explain what pensions each person has and how they might be shared, using clear and consistent assumptions so the outcomes can be understood in retirement terms.

When instructed, the PODE acts as a Single Joint Expert. This means they are jointly instructed by both parties, must remain neutral and independent, and do not advise either person what they should do or what would be fair. Their role is to explain the pension information and illustrate possible outcomes, so everyone involved understands what the pensions could mean later in life.

How long does a PODE report usually take?

In an ideal case, where pension information is already available, a report can sometimes be completed within 4–8 weeks of formal instruction.

More often, the overall process takes several months. The main reason isn’t the report itself, but the time it takes for pension providers to supply the information needed to prepare it. Some public sector and civil service pensions can take 6–9 months just to issue a valuation.

Understanding where the time goes can make the process feel far less frustrating.

 

Step 1: Enquiry and early clarity

The first step is usually an initial enquiry. This is where the ground rules are set.

At this stage, it’s helpful to establish:

• Which pension schemes exist (for both of you)
• Whether any recent pension valuations already exist
• Whether there are multiple retirement ages that might need to be considered
• Whether there’s anything specific you want the report to illustrate

For privacy and security, it’s important not to email personal pension documents or sensitive information until formal instruction has been agreed.

 

Step 2: Formal instruction is agreed

A PODE report can only be prepared once there is formal instruction from both parties, along with any required authority.

If solicitors are involved, this is usually agreed between them. If one or both parties are acting in person, this step can take a little longer simply because everyone needs to be comfortable with the scope of the report and the questions it will answer.

Nothing else can move forward until this step is complete.

 

Step 3: Information gathering begins

This is the stage that most often affects timescales.

The expert usually needs to collect information directly from pension providers. These are third parties, and their response times vary widely. Some are relatively quick. Others, particularly large public sector schemes, can take many months.

The importance of a recent CETV

Many pension schemes produce a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV). If a CETV has been issued within the last 12 months of the valuation date being used, it can often be relied on. When that’s available, the process can move much more quickly.

If you already have CETVs, having them ready early can significantly reduce delays once instruction is confirmed.

Why defined benefit (DB) pensions usually take longer

Defined benefit pensions often require more detailed information than a single valuation figure.

When requesting information from a defined benefit scheme, the expert will usually need:

• Confirmation of whether a CETV has been issued in the last 12 months, or how to request one
• Full details of the member’s retirement benefits and how those benefits are calculated
• Information on how benefits increase before retirement and once in payment
• Early and late retirement factors, and the scheme’s normal retirement age
• Confirmation that a pension sharing order is permitted, and the scheme’s cost for implementing one

Because this information is detailed and often scheme specific, it can take providers time to produce it, particularly where manual calculations are required.

What’s different with defined contribution (DC) pensions?

Defined contribution pensions are often quicker to document, but they still need careful review.

Information commonly requested from a defined contribution plan includes:

• Any CETV issued in the last 12 months, or how to request one
• The current fund value, underlying holdings, and charging structure
• Confirmation of any guarantees or special features attached to the plan
• Whether any guaranteed minimum pension (GMP) applies and, if so, its current and revalued value

Although these pensions are often thought of as a simple “pot”, charges, guarantees, and unusual options can make a meaningful difference to their real value over time.

Why waiting is sometimes unavoidable

Some schemes, particularly certain civil service and public sector pensions, can take many months to produce the required information. Unfortunately, this part of the process is outside anyone’s control. Knowing this upfront can help set realistic expectations.

 

Step 4: The report is prepared

Once all the required pension information has been received, the report itself typically takes around 3–4 weeks to complete.

During this stage, the expert:

• Checks the information for accuracy and completeness
• Applies clear and consistent assumptions
• Projects likely pension income at retirement
• Illustrates outcomes under the approach or approaches requested

 

Step 5: Finalising and issuing the report

Occasionally, minor clarifications are needed while the report is being drafted, particularly if scheme documentation is unclear or inconsistent.

Once finalised, the report is issued in line with the agreed instruction, ready to be used in negotiations or court proceedings.

 

Fees and realistic timescales

The standard fee for preparing a PODE report is £3,600, payable following completion of the report. This covers preparation based on the pension information provided, considering benefits at the scheme’s normal retirement age.

If you want modelling at more than one retirement age, this can be done for an additional £500 per alternative age.

Once all information is received, the report itself typically takes 3–4 weeks to finalise. The greatest uncertainty in timing nearly always sits with pension providers supplying valuations and scheme details.

If you’re unsure whether a PODE report would be helpful in your situation, Get in touch.