What people say

“A little bird told me you loved homemade cake so this is just my way of saying thank you for seeing me a month or two ago. You gave me some excellent advice for which I am extremely grateful.”

I asked Phil to present at the Family Mediators Association Conference on Pension Freedoms within the context of divorce and financial settlements. He delivered a thought provoking and eye opening session full of ideas and case studies. The feedback I received from our delegates was extremely positive. If you are struggling with the challenges that pension freedoms throw up then Phil’s your man.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the team at Whitewell Financial Planning especially Mr Phil O’Connor for their caring and considerate expertise in providing me with valuable financial planning assistance and guidance for my future pension. They rose to the occasion when there were problems relating to a Pension sharing order. They did their utmost to assist and resolve the problems expeditiously and they worked tirelessly to make sure that the problem and or any delays were minimised and as a result they assisted me greatly.

From the first moment that I approached the company to the conclusion of my dealings with them I found them to be faultless and would rank them highly for their professionalism and efficiency and would have no hesitation in recommending the company to anybody who wants a straight forward conclusion of their Pension worries and future security.”

“Phil has given me an individual service following the courts decision to award me with several pension sharing orders, no easy task of trying to get them implemented when you are living thousands of miles away in the Far East and struggling in the fog to deal with them.

Phil impressed me from the start as he was not daunted by the fact it would not be a straight forward case. He started his efforts by finding out what was important to me, my attitudes to risk and what my goals were before making any recommendations. Phil is approachable and plain speaking who is totally dedicated to providing you with the best services and advice. I have no hesitation in recommending Phil as a trustworthy financial advisor. I now have peace of mind and am looking forward to a comfortable retirement.”

“Navigating the intricacies of the pension system during divorce is daunting, but I found the service offered by Phil O’Connor and his team to be exemplary. Phil is knowledgeable, efficient, pleasant and seems really interested in the individual client. Everything proceeded in just the way he had outlined, and what could have been a trying process, was remarkably easy.

I’m not sure that I was either able or willing to undertake the remarkable amounts of paperwork involved in pension sharing, but all of it was handled professional and efficiently on my behalf.

Most of the time, I just had to sign on the dotted line. I wholeheartedly recommend Whitewell Financial Planning Ltd as an invaluable resource for anyone needing assistance with financial planning.”

“Phil has shown much patience and knowledge in helping me plan for my future after divorce, being so close to retirement. Despite unusual circumstances of distance, he rose to the occasion leaving no stone unturned with regard to either his professional responsibilities or my future needs. His attention to detail was impressive, always maintaining regular contact. He approached weighty matters with gentle humour when needed to offset my initial nervousness in decision making.

I was given as much time as I needed to read the paperwork involved and ask questions. I was stunned when I was advised by him to apply for the State Pension, an area in which I had no knowledge at all and Phil showed his true value with his directness and I found in conclusion that the system is not so hard for the lay person if one trusts the person giving the advice.
I waited until I was back in the UK before I submitted my decree absolute to the Department of Work & Pensions and they had already given me a basic pension. I logged on to my current account and they had given me a lump sum back payment now that they are using my ex’s contributions that was a wonderful surprise as you may imagine! It has almost quadrupled the original sum they were paying each month”

“Phil is my go to guy for financial planning and pensions as he provides a friendly, practical and common sense approach to these minefield areas. His quick grasp of the facts and response time coupled with his ability to make clients feel comfortable and confident puts him top of my speed dial”

“I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting information on pensions during, or after a divorce. Their professionalism and speedy response, is to be welcomed in an age where a lot of companies seem to have lost the idea of “customer service.
My query was replied to and resolved within 24 hours which was greatly appreciated.
Do not hesitate in typing www.TheDivorceIFA.co.uk into your computer’s browser.”

“I found myself in a complex situation abroad, Phil not only rescued me, he found monies due I had no knowledge of, showing his expertise. He is very patient and has excellent listening skills. When I met him personally, he gave me sound advice, listened to my needs and I am constantly recommending him to people. I can look forward to a more secure retirement because of him.”

Faced with an impending divorce at the age of 43 I was filled with fear and uncertainty. Phil’s calm, caring approach and professional advice helped reassure me about the future and he guided me through issues and decisions that could have had a very detrimental impact on my finances – I can’t recommend him highly enough.

I have had the pleasure of working with Phil O’Connor, The Divorce IFA and have found him to be both knowledgeable and approachable. I have been impressed with his client focussed approach and I am confident and happy to recommend his services.

“I want to thank Phil for all the help he has been in sorting out a pension sharing scheme during a long and tedious divorce. I am very grateful to him for all the work he has done, all over the phone, he has been more helpful to me than my solicitor. I would recommend him to anyone.”

“I have worked with Phil on a number of matters involving pensions within Divorce. He has consistently provided very prompt advice which has helped resolve pension orders within the financial settlements.
Mutual clients who have engaged Phil’s services have been impressed with his sensible yet thorough advice and his personable manner.
I would not hesitate to recommend Phil”

“I think the system as it is operated by the professional lawmen is a rip-off. Their charges have never been properly explained to me except in the narrowest of terms. I’m told it’s so complicated that even the profession has difficulty understanding it!! Nothing is complicated in the way you explain your fees. I wish I had known about you sooner.”

“Mr O’Connor provided me with much needed support and advice when dealing with pension sharing. I only wish his services had come to my attention earlier in the divorce process .I felt his attention to detail and breadth of experience left one feeling you were in safe hands. My heartfelt thanks must also extend to Linda whose efforts and care, were greatly appreciated.”

“Phil O’Connor’s expertise and knowledge helped my client to focus on what he really needed to do to protect as much of his pension as possible. The end result was one which my client was more than happy with and I would not hesitate to instruct Phil again in similar cases. His advice is focused clear and concise.”

“I have been a family lawyer for nearly 20 years. Pensions have until recently been dealt with on CETV but over the last 2 years the Court’s are becoming more actively involved and now look behind the CETV to the actual benefits of schemes and how these can be properly divided on divorce.

Phil’s assistance has been, and continues to be invaluable. He has advised on a number of complex cases with significant pension assets which has meant I am absolutely reassured my client’s are being properly advised from the outset by someone who not only is clearly an expert in their field but explains things in a user friendly way. Phil assistance in an advisory capacity has helped my client’s to make sure they not only get the best result but also to ensure, moving forward, we can look at not only the pension share but where is the best place for that to be held to maximise the return.

Phil is always available to advise and answer any questions I have, including helping to decipher actuary reports to my client’s best advantage. I would genuinely and wholeheartedly recommend his services to any family lawyer and would say he should be involved in every case where there are pensions involved.”

“ Just want to say that having trawled through “what is a CETV and how does it work for me”, your website was by far the most informative and easier to understand. Thank you.”

“It is such a pleasure and privilege to be able to provide a testimonial for Phil O’Connor, The Divorce IFA. Phil and I have worked together on many occasions both in a mediation context helping separating divorce couples reach positive outcomes for themselves financially and parentally, and also in a collaborative process context, where Phil’s expertise, down to earth manner and his ability to find creative outcomes for both participants has really added value to our collaborative journey. I just want to say that Phil is worth his weight in gold and adds value in many respects.”

“Phil O’Connor has helped me on several occasions, every time I have found him to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He has answered all of my questions promptly and if at any time he didn’t know the answer, he found someone who did know, and
he always got back to me promptly.

On a personal level I would like to thank Phil, for making things not seem so daunting, whilst experiencing a very difficult divorce, when feeling overwhelmed Phil put the situation into perspective.
I would not hesitate to recommend Phil O’Connor and his expertise.
Thanks for your help Phil.”

“I always turn to Phil when dealing with a financial settlement where pensions are involved as pensions are a complex area and good legal advice needs to be in conjunction with sound financial advice. Phil is always available at the end of the phone or email to offer specialist pensions advice right from the outset of a case.

He offers help with regard to whether a report from an actuary is required, if so he can advise on who to use, help with the drafting of the letter of instruction, advise upon the contents of the report upon receipt and then where a client should place any pension credit. He is able to put complex pension issues into plain English and ensures not only that clients get the best possible outcome but that they understand the process from beginning to end and what the effect a pension sharing order means to clients in real terms.”

“Just a note to say that I have received a letter today to confirm that the money has been transferred into my pension. Just to say a big thank you for all your help in this matter. If it wasn’t for your help I would still be struggling to get this sorted. You have been fantastic in this and I really appreciate all your help as I have gone through such a difficult time.”

I am extremely happy with the advice and information Phil has given me, he was very quick to reply to me and has reduced my stress levels massively. I only wish I had contacted him sooner. Thanks for all your help.

“I was introduced to Phil O’Connor, by my solicitor and at first I was a little cautious about dealing with a Financial Adviser having heard lots of horror stories!However, Mr O’Connor dealt with my case with a great deal of understanding and sensitivity.

He was completely professional throughout the process, keeping me informed every step of the way. I found him very re-assuring and have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone seeking assistance in getting a pension sharing order implemented or any other financial matter.”

“I was introduced to Phil O’Connor by my divorce solicitors, Stephensons. He assisted me in deciding how to approach the complex issues of my pension settlement. He provided clear and unambiguous advice and direction which enabled me to settle sooner and more cost effectively than I thought possible.
I can look forward to retiring safe in the knowledge that I have the settlement terms I wanted.”

“Thank you for your phone call, and information you have emailed to me concerning my Divorce Petition.
I deeply appreciate, the time you have taken explaining some confusing issues that I had, after such a long marriage, at no extra cost to myself.

After all the stress and financial problems I have experienced, finding your Website was for me Divine Guidance!!!”

“Due to the complexities of my divorce it took just short of 3 years for the finances to be concluded. During this time Phil was a constant source of support. His advice and guidance was especially important and gave me the courage to continue to fight for what was legally mine.

Linda his PA was also extremely supportive and I found the team at The Divorce IFA very helpful at all times.
I would not hesitate to recommend Phil’s services. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

“I came across Phil O’Connor of WhiteWell Financial Planning last year whilst browsing Google after I started divorce proceedings and needed some financial advise.

Throughout that time and up to the present – Phil has been incredibly helpful in providing me with information and giving me guidance on certain procedures regarding Pension Sharing Options and setting up a new pension. I learned a lot from him about the different pension options available. He very patiently answered many and varied questions and helped me in taking the right decision – finally! I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him and his company.”

“I confirm that I have within the past twelve months, referred work to Mr O’Connor on several occasions.
I can confirm that I have always, without exception, been very happy with the standard of work carried out, the very prompt response and the overall service provided.

On all occasions all work has been dealt with at a most satisfactory level.
I would have no hesitation in referring more work to Mr O’Connor and would be very happy to support his re-accreditation.”