In Zoetermeer, a growing municipality in the Randstad with many commuters and dual-income households, pensions must be divided upon divorce in accordance with the Wet verevening pensioen bij scheiding (Pension Equalization Act in Divorce). Local notaries in Zoetermeer, such as those in Zuidwaarts or the Stadshart district, provide daily advice on this matter. Pension rights fall under tax Box 1; the equalization is fiscally neutral, but the timing determines the ultimate tax burden for residents of Zoetermeer. Early retirement of your ex-partner grants you a claim on their future AOW (state pension) and supplementary pension.
Procedure: Notify the pension fund within 2 years of the divorce, often with the assistance of a Zoetermeer-based family law attorney. Costs range from €100 to €300 per pension scheme, depending on complexity.
Advantages of a lump-sum settlement: A one-time payment without future risks such as inflation or pension fund bankruptcies. However, be aware of higher Box 3 taxation for asset holders in Zoetermeer.
Example: A pension of €200,000 divided results in a claim of €100,000. For Zoetermeer residents with ABP or PFZW pensions, experts recommend consulting a local notary to achieve an optimal, tax-efficient equalization.