What is a dower?

Dower is an interest in property that is available to a widow of a married couple when her husband dies. In Kansas, a wife’s dower is an estate in real property, given to her by her husband during his lifetime. The dower generally consists of the husband’s real estate, not its value. A wife is entitled to one-third of her husband’s real estate for the duration of her life. This is known as a “dower in thirds” and it gives the wife an inheritance that she can pass on to her children as part of her estate. Dower has a few other conditions, such as a widow is not eligible for it if she remarries, and her dower rights would not be affected by a divorce. The right to dower is an important right in Kansas; it gives a widow the assurance that she will have a home and means of living after her husband’s death. It is important for persons to understand the concept of dower, so they can prepare for their own future or for the protection of their family.

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