Dedicated teams
and partners -
our approach is
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Pensions
We have developed a dedicated pensions law team over recent years to provide a specialist, comprehensive approach.
The operation of occupational pension schemes involves a complex mix of case law, statute law, Revenue practice and regulatory requirements. Our pensions lawyers have the skills required to provide proactive and practical advice that is accessible and affordable.
Our clients include employers, pension scheme trustees, pension consultants, actuaries and auditors. And the scope of our expertise in pensions law is wide.
Preparation of scheme documentation is a key service. It includes the trust documentation which establishes the scheme. We are also adept at dealing with the registration of the scheme with the Inland Revenue and other government agencies.
Our legal advice for ongoing schemes covers audits for statutory compliance, as well as advice on remedial steps and reporting to the pensions regulator. We’ll advise on best practice in scheme documentation and management, interpretation of existing rules and the extent of trustees' powers, the exercise of discretionary powers, legal reviews in relation to tax changes and scheme closures.
When it comes to scheme amendments or closure, Hewitsons’ pensions lawyers can help on any restriction which may exist in the documentation, statutory restrictions, trustees' general duties to members, the members' contractual rights, statutory requirements for consultation and so on.
For company transactions such as sales and mergers, we can provide full support covering everything from an assessment of the seller's pension arrangements to advice on warranties.
Other services include pensions law advice on:
- The pensions implications if an employer becomes insolvent or a scheme is wound up
- The implications in the event of marriage breakdown
- Scheme booklets, newsletters and general members communications
- Pensions disputes through the courts, the Pension Ombudsman or dispute resolution procedures
To download our Pensions Service Sheet, please visit our Knowledge Centre.