Legal Definitions - jus relicti

Definition: Jus relicti is a legal term that refers to the right of a widower to inherit a portion of his deceased wife's movable estate. In the past, this right was historically two-thirds if there were surviving children, and otherwise one-half. However, under the Married Women's Property Act of 1881, the amount became one-third in the case of surviving children, and otherwise one-half. Example: If a woman passes away and leaves behind a bank account, her widower may have the right to inherit a portion of that account through jus relicti. For example, if they have no surviving children, the widower may inherit half of the account. If they have surviving children, the widower may inherit one-third of the account. Explanation: This example illustrates how jus relicti works in practice. It shows how a widower's right to inherit from his deceased wife's estate is determined based on whether there are surviving children and the specific laws in place.