In what situation does a dower right apply?

Dower rights pertain specifically to the legal rights a wife has to her husband’s property upon his death. In many jurisdictions that recognize dower rights, they ensure that the surviving wife is entitled to a specified portion of her deceased husband’s estate, regardless of the husband's will or trusts. This legal framework is designed to provide financial security for the wife after the husband's passing, reflecting the traditional understanding of marital property rights.

This context makes it clear why the situation where a husband dies leaving property to his wife directly relates to dower rights. In that scenario, the wife would be entitled to inherit part of the husband’s property by virtue of her marriage, thereby securing her financial wellbeing.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the concept of dower rights. Inheriting property from a mother does not involve a marital relationship, and joint ownership of property might not trigger dower rights as both parties have equal ownership. A single woman purchasing property is also outside the scope of dower rights, as there is no husband whose interests are being protected.