Resolution Accredited Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) – New logo

Posted December 20th, 2011

I am pleased to announce that the Resolution Accredited Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) have been given a nice gold logo to use to distinguish them from the family lawyers and this is now proudly displayed on our website.

As one of only ten advisers in the North West with this designation I am extremely proud of this qualification.

If you would like advice in respect of pensions and your divorce financial settlement or pension sharing why not call us on 0800 0921229 or email phil@thedivorceifa.co.uk.

Resolution Accredited Independent Financial Advisers

Posted January 17th, 2011

You can now search the Resolution public website for all the qualified Resolution Accredited Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) to assist you with issues such as:

  • Pension Sharing
  • Pension Offsetting
  • Pension Attachment
  • Budgeting
  • Life Assurance needs
  • Financial Planning

The search tool can be found here -

If you would like more information about how we advise our clients on the financial aspects of divorce, please contact us on 0800 092 1229 or email phil@thedivorceifa.co.uk

Collaborative Law & Resolution Accredited IFAs

Posted July 12th, 2010

As a Resolution Accredited Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) I am often asked to provide a summary of how we can work with clients through the Collaborative Law process. Below is taken from a flyer which is provided to the lawyers at the Greater Manchester POD.

HOW THE IFA WILL WORK WITH YOU AND YOUR SOLICITOR:

IFAs will be accredited by Resolution to work in the collaborative area, having undertaken training on the technical and cultural aspects involved, and passed an examination on the subject.

The IFA acts as a ‘financial neutral’ – rather than representing one party, their role is to assist all parties in highlighting issues and providing information that enables the collaborative process to move quickly and smoothly.

In addition to their specialist technical knowledge, IFAs can outline options to parties and comment on risk factors (eg in terms of pension options) which solicitors are unable to do as they are not authorised to give financial advice.

IFA’s can attend a first meeting with the Solicitors present, so as to display to the parties how they may add value to the process. At your discretion, IFAs can subsequently meet you without your solicitor being present, so as to control total costs.

EXAMPLES OF WHERE THE IFA IS ABLE TO HELP:

• Tax efficiency and mitigation if assets or investments are being sold as part of the agreement (eg ISAs, Capital Gains Tax issues).

• Pension-sharing issues under occupational final salary schemes, for both the scheme member and the ex-spouse.

• Issues surrounding individual pensions, including retirement options.

• The cost of replacing items under an employee benefits package for the ex-spouse (eg life cover, critical illness cover, private medical insurance).

• Mortgage availability and costings in relation to the marital home.

• Assessment of endowment policies and the options going forward.

• General financial education

• Budgeting exercises and lifetime cashflow projections to determine whether the agreed settlement will be sufficient to support the financial requirements of each party over time.

If you require any further assistance, please contact us on 0800 092 1229 or email advice@thedivorceifa.co.uk

Divorce – Why Financial Advice is important?

Posted June 30th, 2009

I am often asked why you should use the services of an IFA during divorce work.

- What does an IFA do?
- What services do they offer?
- What benefit will dealing with an IFA bring me?

I have set out four main areas where I can add real value to your circumstances.

Pension reports

During the process of divorce, a report may be required by the court to understand the values of the pension assets and how these should be sensibly divided amongst the parties. Pensions are unnecessarily complicated and often such reports are difficult to understand and may at first appear daunting.

I will summarise these reports for you, demystify the jargon and provide a clear overview and direction on how to proceed based on your individual circumstances.

Second opinions

If you are confused or concerned about any aspect of your finances whilst working with another financial adviser or professional, I am happy to provide a second opinion where necessary to clarify any issues.

Pension transfers

When a settlement is reached it is often necessary to move the pension to a new arrangement. I am able to assist you by advising on the most appropriate type of pension sourced from the whole of the market place.

Financial Planning

It is important to reappraise your finances once your divorce has been finalised and rediscover your values, goals and objectives and what you truly wish to achieve from life. In fact, this can often be first time you are dealing with finances. It needn’t be daunting.

Financial planning can set the framework for you to achieve these goals by providing a sound overall financial strategy which can adapt and change over time as you and your circumstances change.

If you require further information on The Divorce IFA, our services and charging structure, please visit our website www.TheDivorceIFA.co.uk or alternatively, please call us on 01204 663904 or by email on advice@thedivorceifa.co.uk