Explanatory Notes

Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999

1999 CHAPTER 30

11 November 1999

Commentary

Part III – Pensions on Divorce Etc.

Section 21: Sections 25B to 25D of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973

This section gives effect to Schedule 4 which amends the provisions about pensions inserted in the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 by section 166 of the Pensions Act 1995. These provisions reinforced the courts’ existing duty to take account of pensions in divorce settlements and gave courts in England and Wales new powers to require that, when a pension comes into payment or a lump sum death benefit becomes payable, part or all of it of it shall be paid by the pension scheme direct to the former spouse.