Section outline

  • Dowry, Inheritance & Financial Rights ⚖️👛

    Money matters in marriage aren’t just about joint accounts or budgeting — they’re also about rights. Too often, women are left unaware of what legally belongs to them, what they can ask for, or what is completely illegal but still practiced.

    • 🔹 Dowry – Still a Reality, Still a Crime

      Let’s be clear: Dowry is illegal in India under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Yet, it continues in subtle forms — “gifts,” expectations from the bride’s side, or pressure to pay during major milestones.

      🚫 It’s not just about money — it's about power. If you’re being asked or pressured for dowry (before or after marriage), speak up. You have the right to refuse, and the law supports you.

      🧘‍♀️ What you can do:

      • Say no to informal dowry disguised as 'rituals'
      • Involve your family in openly setting boundaries before marriage
      • Document conversations if pressure is being applied post-marriage

    • 🔹 Inheritance & Financial Rights for Women

      Many women believe they are not entitled to family property — especially after marriage. This is wrong. You have full legal rights to inherit parental property, whether married or not.

      • 👩 Daughters have equal rights to ancestral and self-acquired property of their parents
      • 👩‍👧 A widow has rights to her husband’s property, along with children
      • 👩‍⚖️ Even homemakers can claim alimony, maintenance, and joint assets in divorce

      💡 Tip: Ensure that you and your spouse both have Wills — it simplifies everything legally and reduces disputes later.

      🌸 Final Thought

      Knowing your rights isn’t about creating conflict — it’s about building confidence. Financial equality starts with awareness, and awareness starts with women like you.