There are, of course, many different types of pension and we explain here the important elements of a pension, the powers currently available to the courts and the way that the courts approach pensions on marriage breakdown.

Elements of pensions

These may include:

• a lump sum payable on death before retirement (sometimes called "death in service" benefits)
• a lump sum payable on retirement
• periodic payments during retirement (the pension)
• death benefits payable on death during retirement (including widow's and dependant's pensions).