Going through a divorce will change that. As with every other decision you make concerning your divorce, what you decide about the division of the pension will affect your lifestyle. The only difference is that you won't feel the effects until it's time to retire. It's important to keep in mind that what was once going to support one household in retirement must now support two. This is a good opportunity to see exactly what you have and what you will need for your retirement and start planning for your own individual retirement.
Pension plans are complex to say the least.
Each plan is different. You and your spouse may be able come to an agreement on how to split it, but to obtain the valuation will require an expert. The value of the pension will also vary depending upon your individual state's laws regarding when the pension becomes qualified for equitable distribution and as of what date the pension is to be valued at. If you had a substantial pension prior to your marriage, that portion of it may be considered a pre marital asset. In addition the date to be used to determine the final value of the pension may be the date the divorce complaint was filed.