Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 4.7.2

Where there is no marriage, there is no dower.

Ubi nullum matrimonium, ibi nulla dos est.

Source: Co. Litt. 32; 2 Bl. Comm. 130; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 1031b; Weisman, 33b Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Dower is an incident of lawful marriage — without the marriage, the right to dower does not arise.

Where this applies

  • A woman claims dower from a man she was never legally married to.
  • A partner claims property rights that only attach to legal marriage.

Topics

Inheritance & Descent

Legal domains

familyproperty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 4.7.2 — Where there is no marriage, there is no dower. — Co. Litt. 32; 2 Bl. Comm. 130; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 1031b; Weisman, 33b (Ubi nullum matrimonium, ibi nulla dos est.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →