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separate estate

By Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com

Definition: In English and American law, "separate estate" refers to land or other real property owned by a woman in her own name before marriage. The "separate estate" is controlled by a married woman and not by her husband.

In some states, the value of the wife's "separate estate" may affect her legal claims on her husband's estate.

Common Misspellings: seperate estate

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