REPEAL DOWER RIGHTS
House Bill 4131
Sponsor: Rep. Ken Daniels
Committee: Judiciary
Complete to 2-13-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4131 AS INTRODUCED 1-30-03
House Bill 4131 would create a new act to abolish the “right of dower,” the provision which the law makes for a widow, usually entitling her to one-third of her husband’s property. Specifically, the bill would state that a wife’s dower right, upon the death of her husband, to a life estate in one-third of any land that the husband owned in fee during his lifetime would be abolished and unenforceable, either through statute or at common law. The bill would specify, however, that this provision could not affect, limit, or void any contractual or other legal rights that the widow otherwise possessed or acquired during the marriage.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.