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You are here Pensions > Master Pension Scheme > Family Law Issues

Family Law

Your retirement and death benefits under the Scheme could be affected by certain provisions of Family Law Acts in the event of Divorce or Judicial Separation.

In some cases, a Pensions Adjustment Order may be issued by the Family Law Court directing the Trustees of a Scheme to split a member's pension and/or death benefits between the member and a former Spouse/Civil Partner.

Such valid Orders take precedence over any Expression of Wishes Form completed by members, any instructions in a Will, and may also override the rules of the Scheme.

Should you be required to provide information to a Solicitor regarding Family Law issues you should in the first instance provide your latest annual benefit statement together with a copy of the Scheme Booklet. The following basic information may also be required:
Formal Title: "University of Dublin Trinity College (Closed) Pension Scheme 2009"

Trustees: The Board of Trinity University Dublin, the University of Dublin, as the Relevant Authority under the Scheme, act as the Legal Notice Party for proceedings under the Family Law Acts.

If you have further questions regarding Family Law you should contact the Pensions Office. Please ensure that you quote your Staff Number in all correspondence.

Additional information on Pension Adjustment Orders

Further information about the operation and impact of Pension Adjustment Orders may be obtained from the Pensions Authority website or by contacting them directly at:

The Pensions Authority
Verschoyle House
28/30 Lower Mount Street
Dublin 2
D02 KX27

Wills

A Will is a legally-binding document that lets you determine how you would like your estate to be distributed upon your death. If you die without a Will, there is no guarantee that your intended wishes will be carried out. The University strongly encourages all members to execute a valid Will and to keep this updated as your personal circumstances change over time.

Reasons for making a Will

It is important for you to make a Will because if you do not, and die without a Will, the law on intestacy decides what happens to your estate. A Will can ensure that proper arrangements are made for your Dependants and that your estate is distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights of Spouse/Civil Partners and children.

Additional information on Wills

The Law Society of Ireland has made available for download a useful Information Booklet entitled Making A Will.
The Citizens Information Board also provides useful information on making a Will. Please refer to the Important Links section for contact details.