2007 House Bill 5587

Eliminate dower rights

Introduced in the House

Dec. 13, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-80)

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