In a legal context, a widow is a woman whose spouse has died and who has not remarried. The term is often used to denote the surviving spouse in matters such as inheritance, estate distribution, and entitlement to survivor benefits. Widows may have legal rights and entitlements under probate laws, intestacy statutes, and various legal frameworks governing marital property rights. These rights may include the right to inherit a portion of the deceased spouse’s estate, eligibility for survivor benefits such as pensions or social security benefits, and other legal protections afforded to surviving spouses. The specific rights and entitlements of widows may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the individual case.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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