FAQs

Read the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions

We offer a free 15-minute meeting by Zoom. During this call, we can establish how we can help and whether we are the right people to do so. If we are the right people, we can arrange the next steps with you, and if not, we can introduce you to one of our team of professionals who can help.

We’ll listen to your problems and concerns, as well as your hopes for the future, while explaining how we work and how we might be able to help.

All our initial calls are either by Zoom or Teams.

We charge fees for our advice and services, which we will fully explain during our call if we feel that we are the right people to help you. Our fees will always be fair, proportionate and offer excellent value for money.

We are completely flexible and happy to work with you as an individual, or with both you and your partner.

We always find that the best results are achieved in the spirit of collaboration, and not confrontation. Therefore, when the separation or divorce is amicable it is often possible for us to advise both parties.

However, if that isn’t the case, or you would simply prefer to receive advice without the involvement of your partner, we are very happy to advise you alone.

Very simply because we do two different things. A lawyer will take care of the legal aspects of your divorce, whereas a financial adviser or planner will consider the financial implications.

We work in partnership with lawyers and solicitors to ensure our mutual clients get the best outcome possible from their separation or divorce.

Resolution-accredited specialist divorce financial planners are tested regularly on their technical knowledge and expertise at supporting their clients through the divorce process.

They will also be required to demonstrate their ongoing work with those going through separation and divorce. Our clients work with us through their divorce and onwards through their next chapter.

We regularly work with people in your position. We guide you through the process, ensuring that you feel confident in your knowledge of your financial position and needs both now and in the future. We will also provide financial education where needed.

Our aim is to help rebuild your financial future following your divorce. That means considering the short, medium and long-term implications.

Whatever your level of financial knowledge, from novice to expert, you can rely on us to act as your sympathetic guide during this period of your life and beyond.

Our clients tell us they feel empowered after our advice, with a new-found confidence that their financial future is on the right track.

Absolutely. At this stage, we would want to understand how you would like your new chapter to look, your hopes, fears and aspirations. You may need to rebuild your pension savings and investments to be in a position to live the life you wanted, or you may need to implement a pension sharing order and invest the lump sum settlement you have received.

Either way, we can work with you. We will help to implement your pension sharing order and help you to invest your lump sum to provide for your future.

No. Writing specialist reports is not our area of expertise. However, reviewing and interpreting PODE reports forms part of the divorce service that we offer.

Yes. Smart Divorce is a trading style of Smart Financial Planning Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under number 484300.

You can review Smart Financial Planning’s entry on the FCA Register by Clicking here

You may need to re-enter our number (484300) into the search. You will see details of regulatory permissions, as well as details of the directors and advisers approved to advise you.

Yes, we are.

We believe that being able to offer independent financial advice allows us to serve our clients better, than if we were tied to only recommending the products of a single or restricted number of companies.

That said, first and foremost we are financial planners. That means we’ll understand your current issues and challenges, as well as your hopes for the future, and then build a financial plan. That plan may require the use of certain financial products such as pensions, Individual Savings Accounts, insurance and so on, which is where our independent status really comes into its own.

Don't just take our word for it

Here's what our clients say

I have had the pleasure of working with Tamsin during my divorce and for pensions advice. In both areas Tamsin applied her vast experience and up-to-date knowledge to the counsel she offered, whilst applying her engaging and kind approach to challenging conversations. Tamsin prioritised my needs and made sure that I had the best possible outcome – I wouldn’t want anyone else in my corner. Please look no further if you need help with either a divorce or pensions advice, Tamsin comes very highly recommended and will forever have my gratitude.

Danielle Peel Adams

I just wanted to say thanks again for all of your help last year, your swift and efficient response significantly reduced my stress levels at the time and your report was really useful in helping us to come to an agreement about the financial settlement. 😊

Paulette Forbes

During my divorce my solicitor advised me that I needed to get independent financial advice and Tamsin was recommended to me by a friend. I am so glad that I went with Tamsin as her no nonsense, common sense, logical approach meant that I was able to come to a financial settlement without going to court. Tamsin explained everything to me in a way that I could understand, and she fully appreciates the fact that getting divorced is on occasions overwhelming, especially when things are more complicated than you had ever imagined they would be.

The report that Tamsin produced for me was based on the facts and what she suggested I offer to try and reach a settlement was both fair and reasonable. If Tamsin had not got involved, I would have ended up having to go to court, spending a fortune and causing myself and my children continued uncertainty and hardship.

I would whole heartedly recommend Tamsin and Smart Divorce – honest, professional, knowledgeable, and perhaps most importantly for me empathetic.

Sarah Laird

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