Dividing assets during a divorce can be a complicated and emotional process, and understanding the legal implications of pension funds is crucial for protecting your financial future.
This article covers the legal process and implications of dividing pension funds during divorce in South Africa, including the importance of hiring a divorce attorney, the role of laws, the marital systems impact, and other considerations.
It aims to help readers navigate the complexities of divorce and pension funds in South Africa.
A pension fund is a commonly used term that encompasses all types of retirement funds that fall under the jurisdiction of the Pension Funds Act.
A specific type of pension fund is one in which at least two-thirds of the retirement benefit must be received as an annuity.
Importance of Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Pension Funds
Understanding the impact of divorce on pension funds is crucial for several reasons.
In summary, understanding the impact of divorce on pension funds is crucial to ensure that the clauses dealing with the distribution of pension benefits are properly drafted and that the division of assets is fair and equitable.
When a couple divorce, one of the most critical issues that must be addressed is the division of assets, including pension funds.
The legal process for dividing pension funds can be complex and time-consuming.
The role of the Divorce Act and the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 in the allocation of unaccrued pension benefits to non-member spouses.
The Divorce Act and the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 are the two main pieces of legislation that govern the allocation of unaccrued pension benefits to non-member spouses.
The Divorce Act sets out the general principles for the division of assets, while the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 provides specific rules and regulations for the division of pension funds.
Understanding the laws and regulations and how they apply to the case’s specific circumstances is essential.
In a divorce, different marital systems can significantly impact the division of assets, including retirement funds.
It is crucial to understand how these systems affect the distribution of pension benefits to ensure a fair and equitable settlement.
In a marriage in community of property, the pension interests of the spouses become part of the parties’ joint estate.
This means that the non-member spouse is entitled to claim 50% of the member’s pension interest as of the date of the divorce.
This entitlement is based on the principle that all assets acquired during the marriage, including pension interests, are considered jointly owned by both spouses and must be divided equally upon divorce.
In a marriage out of community of property with accrual, the spouse’s pension fund value is taken into account to determine the value of their estate for the purpose of accrual calculation.
This means that the value of the pension fund is considered an asset of the estate and is used to calculate the accrual, which is the difference between the value of the assets at the time of marriage and the value of the assets at the time of divorce.
The non-member spouse may be entitled to a portion of the accrual, depending on the case’s specific circumstances.
In a marriage out of community of property without accrual, the spouses retain their own separate derivatives, and there is no sharing of assets at divorce unless ordered by the court or agreed upon in a settlement agreement.
This means that each spouse retains ownership of their own assets, including pension interests, and there is no automatic sharing of these assets upon divorce.
For marriages without accrual before November 1st, 1984, the spouses retain their own separate derivatives, and there is no sharing of assets at divorce unless ordered by the court or agreed upon in a settlement agreement.
For marriages without accrual after November 1st, 1984, the spouses retain their own separate derivatives, and there is no sharing of assets at divorce.
Any share in the pension interest will have to occur by mutual consent or agreed upon in a settlement agreement.
This legal position may soon change – Read more: “Redistribution of Assets with Divorce: Greyling Ruling’s Impact”.
Several other considerations must be considered when dividing pension funds in a divorce to ensure a fair and equitable settlement.
The date of divorce can have a significant impact on the distribution of pension funds.
For example, if the member exits the fund after the date of divorce, the non-member spouse may not be entitled to any portion of the pension fund.
Additionally, the value of the pension fund may be different at the time of divorce than it will be at the time the member exits the fund.
This means that if the divorce settlement is not properly drafted, the non-member spouse may not receive a fair and equitable share of the pension fund.
How the member’s decision to exit the fund affects the distribution of pension funds
The member’s decision to exit the fund can also significantly impact the distribution of pension funds.
For example, if the member exits the fund before the date of divorce, the non-member spouse may be entitled to a portion of the pension fund.
However, if the member exits the fund after the date of divorce, the non-member spouse may not be entitled to any portion of the pension fund.
It is essential to take this into account when drafting the divorce settlement to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the pension fund.
The Impact of Preservation Funds on the Distribution of Pension Funds
Preservation funds can also have an impact on the distribution of pension funds in a divorce.
A preservation fund is a type of pension fund to which benefits from a pension fund can be transferred.
If the member has transferred benefits to a preservation fund, the non-member spouse may not be entitled to a portion of these benefits unless they were transferred after the date of divorce.
It is important to take this into account when drafting the divorce settlement in order to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the pension fund.
In summary, when dividing pension funds in a divorce, it is important to consider the date of divorce, the member’s decision to exit the fund, and the impact of preservation funds on the distribution of pension funds in order to ensure a fair and equitable settlement.
You can exclude your retirement funds in terms of your antenuptial contract.
This means that where a couple chooses the accrual system, they can elect to exclude their retirement funds from the accrual expressly.
In the event of divorce, each spouse’s retirement fund assets will not be considered in the accrual calculation.
When calculating the pension interest of the non-member spouse, remember that the pension interest calculation is done as of the date of the divorce.
The calculation does not consider how long the marriage subsisted, nor whether the couple was married when the member spouse joined the fund.
The calculation depends purely on the type of retirement fund, and the nature of the matrimonial property regime determines the pension interest award.
The calculation used to determine the pension interest in retirement annuities differs from that used in pension, provident and preservation funds.
When calculating pension interest in the latter, the pension interest is the total benefit to which the member spouse would have been entitled in terms of the fund rules if their membership had terminated due to resignation at the date of divorce.
On the other hand, pension interest in a retirement annuity refers to the total amount of the member spouse’s contributions to the fund up to the date of divorce, plus simple interest at the prescribed rate.
Cohabiting couples do not have a right to claim a share of the member spouse’s pension interest. The right to claim a share of the member spouse’s pension interest is legislated in terms of the Divorce Act of 1979, and for these purposes, the right does not extend to couples who choose to live together.
Non-member spouses are liable for tax when awarded a portion of the member spouse’s pension interest.
Any cash lump sum will be taxed in the hands of the non-member spouse as per the Income Tax Act.
If the non-member spouse elects to transfer the full benefit to an approved retirement fund, no tax will be paid on transfer, but the proceeds will be taxed in their hands upon future withdrawal or when they retire from the fund.
Conclusion
When a couple divorce, one of the most important issues that must be addressed is the division of assets, including pension funds.
The legal process for dividing pension funds can be complex and time-consuming.
Therefore, it is crucial to have proper legal guidance to ensure that the division of assets is fair and equitable.
Summary of key points discussed in the article
The article discussed several key points related to the division of pension funds in a divorce.
The article covered the significance of being informed about how divorce affects pension funds.
It also explained the laws (Divorce Act and Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956) that govern how unaccrued pension benefits are divided among non-member spouses, the effects of a poorly written settlement agreement, and how various types of marriages influence the distribution of pension funds.
It also discussed other considerations, such as the date of divorce, the member’s decision to exit the fund, and preservation funds’ impact on the distribution of pension funds.
It is vital to emphasise that dividing pension funds in a divorce can be complex and time-consuming.
It is crucial to have proper legal guidance to ensure that the division of assets is fair and equitable.
Without proper legal guidance, couples may not understand the legal process and may not receive a fair and equitable pension fund distribution.
Therefore, it is essential to seek proper legal guidance to ensure a fair and equitable settlement.
Don’t navigate the complex world of pension funds and divorce alone. Contact Martin Vermaak, Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, today for expert guidance and personalized legal solutions.
Our experienced attorneys specialise in divorce law and can provide you with the support and guidance you need to protect your financial interests and secure a fair settlement.
Call us now to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.
© 2025 Martin Vermaak Attorneys. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy