Definition Coverture Fraction - a mathematical formula used to calculate the percentage of a pension distributed to a noncontributory spouse (usually a wife) in a divorce action.
Application in Divorce In a coverture fraction, the denominator is the employed spouse’s total earning period. The numerator is the married years of earning the benefit.

In this routine, the ultimate benefit times the coverture fraction times the percentage attributable to the alternate payee determines the amount paid to the noncontributory spouse.

This fraction is also called the time rule.

See also Alternate Payee, QDRO.

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Questions & Answers
What is a coverture fraction?
A coverture fraction is a tool used by an appraiser to separate that portion of the benefits which was earned during the marriage, from that portion of the benefits which were earned outside of the period of marriage. The coverture fraction represents that portion of the value of the benefits attributable to the marriage. The numerator of the fraction represents the total period of time the pensionholder participated in the plan during the marriage, and the denominator is the total period of time the pensionholder participated in the plan as of the cut-off date.

Helpful Tips & Facts
  1. A Word to Women Getting a Divorce
    A traditional married couple’s lifestyle is usually based on the husband’s income. It is important, therefore, to remember that property is divided one time, but a husband’s career assets continue to produce for years. These assets include salary, stock options, health and life insurance, disability, vacation and sick pay, education and training, and, most of all, potential earning power, which is usually greater than a wife’s.
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