A woman who voluntarily leaves her husband and commits adultery loses her dower, unless her husband takes her back of his own accord.

Explanation

Dower is the reward of fidelity — voluntary desertion and adultery forfeit the right, but the husband's reconciliation restores it.

Where this applies

• A wife who left her husband and committed adultery claims dower.
• A surviving spouse's right to the estate is challenged due to marital misconduct.

See also

• 4.1.2 Not cohabitation but consent makes marriage.
• 4.7.1 The law favors dower; it is the reward of chastity, therefore let it be preserved.