2006 Senate Bill 1343

Eliminate dower rights

Introduced in the Senate

June 28, 2006

Introduced by Sen. Michael Switalski (D-10)

To establish in statute that, upon the death of her husband, a wife's dower right to a life estate in 1/3 of any land he owned during his lifetime is abolished and unenforceable. This would not affect, limit, or void any contractual or other legal rights the wife otherwise possesses or acquires during the marriage. The bill eliminates “dowry rights” from statute.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary