CETV

Hi can someone please clarify the following:

It is my understanding that a court will not authorise a pension Sharing Order without a CETV. Is this right?

My ex did not produce one and an order was given.

How could I have one without a CETV?

Sorry one more thing. All my ex produced was a statement of benefits with a prediction of what would be payable at pensionable age. How much could this figure differ from the actual CETV?

The CETV is intended to represent the value now of pension benefits which would be paid in the future ­base­d on service complted to date (excluding benefits which would accrue as a result of remaining in service). A statement of benefits illustrates the amount of income/cash sum which may be payable on retirement and can be ­base­d on service completed and/or on the basis that the member remains in service to retirement age.
How much detail you need depends upon how significant the pension assets are and what age both parties are. The CETV is at least a starting point in terms of quantifying how valuable the pension benefits are, if significant then you should consider getting an actuarial report if it's a defined benefit type pension.

The pension was the only asset left in the marriage and the only thing of any financial value, so to me it was the most important thing and I could not afford to lose a penny of it.

Very different attitude if you're sharing bricks and mortar - the need for a professional valuation and acceptance of the costs of that and estate agent selling fees seem to go without saying - laxity/negligence over valuing and sharing a pension still seems to be glossed over - maybe because most solicitors are in the property business - conveyancing etc.? but barely understand pensions - especially defined benefit ones - and know they almost certainly can't be sued for negligence over pensions.

why is that? how can they be negligent and be still be protected. There is clear protocol to follow, ie family rules procedures, and yet they don't do it, cost me a lot of money and get away with it.

What we call negligent they call a matter of professional judgement.
I wish I could be more positive - you'll have gathered I tried and failed to get redress for getting kicked out of a final salary scheme I got a half share of - after trying all the freeby remedies I hit the buffers when the law firm I eventually approached wanted £500 for reading the basic documents - I knew I was in over my head - fell back exhausted etc.
All that though was before the Legal Ombudsman was set up - maybe you'll have better luck - maybe someone there understands pension sharing on divorce?????

Have you complained formally to your solicitor and got their response?
I really believe anyone who's been messed about by a lawyer over pension sharing should complain if only to get someone in that firm to find out how it works ......at their expense.