Earlier this week, the High Court dismissed two women's appeal against a ruling that the Governments introduction of the same state pension age for men and women, being 66 years old, did not amount to unlawful discrimination.

As we near the end of Pensions Awareness Week this is a timely reminder for both men and women of the importance, if you are able, of making adequate financial provision for retirement. Particularly if there will be a gap between retirement and being able to access a state pension.

For a party either without or with only a minimal pension in a divorce/dissolution a Pension Sharing Order (of the other party's pension or pensions) may be essential in plugging this gap and should not therefore be overlooked when deciding how assets should be divided upon divorce.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.