Message text written by Discussion of research and writing about Virginia
history

>My ancestor sold some property - but because his wife could not travel
to the courthouse men were sent to "examine" her to see if she willingly
and freely, without threats or persuasions, from her husband agreed to
having the sale of the land recorded.

Did she have any rights of refusal during the time period?  This land
was possibly given to her when she married my ancestor. Does that make a
difference?<


If this was land she brought to the marriage, it would not be considered
for
dower rights.  So it must have been land her husband obtained during their
marriage.  

Also, if a release of dower was not obtained for property acquired during
their
marriage, a widow technically could come back *at any time* and claim her
third.  



Vickie Elam White

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