A pension is one of the most valuable assets many people will ever have. It builds slowly, often over decades, and for many families it’s a crucial part of their financial safety net. But while most people know to fill in a nomination or “expression of wish” form, too many assume that’s the whole job done.

In reality, relying only on a pension nomination — without an up-to-date Will or wider estate plan — can leave your family exposed to confusion, delays, and even disputes.

How pension nominations work in the UK

When you start a pension, you’re usually asked to nominate who should get the money if you die before you’ve drawn it all. This tells the pension provider your preference — but in most cases, it’s not legally binding. Trustees or administrators will consider your wishes but have discretion to decide what’s fair and appropriate, based on the circumstances when you die.

This flexibility can be helpful — for instance, if someone you’d never named clearly has a strong claim. But it can also cause tension or surprise for your family if your paperwork is out of date or contradicts your Will.

Where things can go wrong

Outdated wishes:
People often forget to update their pension nomination when they marry, divorce, have children, or start a new relationship. This means a lump sum could end up with an ex-partner, or skip a new spouse or child altogether.

Conflicting documents:
If your Will says one thing but your pension nomination suggests another, it can slow down decisions. Trustees may investigate or seek legal advice, delaying access to money your family might urgently need.

No nomination at all:
If you haven’t filled in a form at all, trustees have to decide from scratch. That can lead to stressful family disputes or unintended people making a claim.

Real example

Alex had built up a substantial pension. He named his partner at the time — but never changed this when they split up years later. When Alex died unexpectedly, his ex made a claim, while his current partner and young daughter argued it should go to them. The provider was left trying to balance old paperwork with Alex’s likely wishes. The dispute took over a year to resolve.

A simple updated nomination and clear Will would have avoided this heartache.

How your Will fits in

Your Will doesn’t directly control your pension — but it sets the context for trustees. A clear, up-to-date Will can show your intentions for the rest of your estate, helping trustees understand how your pension fits in. It can also cover everything else a pension can’t: your home, savings, investments and possessions.

Together, a nomination and a Will create a joined-up plan.

What you should do now

If you have a pension, ask yourself:

• Who is my nominated beneficiary?
  
  
• When did I last check or update that form?
  
  
• Does my Will align with my nomination and reflect my current life?
  
  

It’s wise to revisit both every few years — and always after a major life change like marriage, divorce, or having a child.

A pension on its own isn’t enough to protect your family. A nomination plus a clear Will means your savings do what you intended — quickly, fairly, and with as little stress as possible.