Dower

a wife's common law right to inherit from her husband.

The wife's common law right to inherit from her husband.

The wife’s common law right to inherit from her husband. In most states the surviving spouse cannot be disinherrited and is entitled to one third of the husband’s property. Conversely, the husband’s right to inherit from the wife is called curtesy. Be advised that until your judgment of divorce is absolute, your spouse may have the right to inherit if you die during the nisi period. In some states, however, an executed separation agreement waiving the right to inherit may supersede inheritance rights prior to the judgment becoming absolute.