Dower is one-third part of the husband's estate, and in general cannot be destroyed by the mere act of the husband. Hence, in the sale of real estate by the husband, his wife must, with the husband, sign the conveyance to make the title complete to the purchaser. In the absence of such signature the widow can claim full dower rights after the husband's death. Creditors, also, seize the property subject to such dowery rights.

The husband in his will sometimes gives his wife property in lieu of dowery. In this case she may, after his death, elect to take either such property or her dower, but she cannot take both. While the husband lives the wife's right of dower is only inchoate; it cannot be enforced. Should he sell the land to a stranger, she has no right of action or remedy until his death.

In all cases the law of the State in which the land is situated governs it, and, as in the case of heirship, full information must be sought for in statute which is applicable.