Dower is a legal concept related to marital property rights, particularly in the context of inheritance. It refers to the portion of a deceased husband’s real property that a surviving wife is entitled to inherit. Dower rights vary by jurisdiction, but typically, a surviving wife is entitled to a life estate in one-third of her deceased husband’s real property. This means that she has the right to use the property for the duration of her life, after which it may pass to other heirs. Dower rights aim to provide financial security for widows and ensure their continued support following the death of their husbands.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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