At common law, a widow had the right to a life estate in one-third of the lands owned by her husband during their marriage. This was known as a widow's curtesy right.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A widow's curtesy right was not a life estate in one-third of the lands owned by her husband, but rather a husband's right to inherit his wife's property upon her death. The correct term for a widow's right to a life estate in one-third of her husband's lands is dower right.

At Common Law, a Widow Had the Right to a Life