Filling in the gaps about me

My reasons for signing-up to wikivorce were two-fold

• * Offer any help I can to those going through the divorce or dissolution process, either personally or professionally (giving something back)
• * Gain a better understanding of what the real issues are for individuals and their professional advisors

When I signed-up for wikivorce membership I answered all the questions but of course, many of them did not apply, because of course, wikivorce is mainly for those going through a divorce or dissolution. Lawyers are also encouraged to join and the sign-up process accounts for this possibility. What it cannot do is allow for us other odds and **ds.

So, I have decided to fill in some of the gaps here.

I am not a lawyer, although I have a certain level of understanding of some aspects of relevant law. I am not a financial advisor, never have been and never will be.

For most of my career, I have worked as a technician and administrator in what is now called the "financial services industry". It was then called the life and pensions business, but that just dates me.

I have a lot of practical experience in financial services matters, particularly but not exclusively around pensions.

My commercial interest is that I am a director of an actuarially based firm that assists lawyers and financial advisors valuing and reporting on pensions in a relationship breakdown. I am not an actuary myself, but two of my fellow directors are. We can and will assist individual clients, but only if we are confident that the individuals have sufficient understanding of the issues to make informed choices.

I am an affiliate member of and great believer in Resolution, the members organisation for family lawyers.

Personally, I hate seeing people being ripped off by firms and individuals whose sole motives are profit. I also hate to see people sleepwalking into regrettable financial decisions through naivety or ignorance.

I am very happy to comment on subjects that are within my area of knowledge and expertise. I can and will give information if it helps.

Not being a financial advisor has its benefits and drawbacks. One benefit is that I do not have a direct financial interest in financial decisions that individuals and their advisors may take. That allows me to be as independent as possible. The drawback is that I cannot and will not give financial advice. To do so would be illegal. This can mean that I occasionally have to be very vague and circumspect in answering direct questions about an individuals financial affairs.

Finally, to disclose a less obvious commercial interest. As I said, neither my firm nor I am authorised to give financial advice - this is a purely commercial decision. However, our clients often have a need for independent financial advice. We have therefore entered into commercial arrangements with carefully selected financial advisors who can fulfil this need.

One request - please, don't shoot the messenger!