Dower Documentation When searching for your female ancestors, don't overlook land and property records. It was not uncommon for a bride's father to make a gift of land or property to the groom with the stipulation that it not be sold without the woman's permission. Laws in many locations required that a wife sign a dower release before a piece of property in which she had any interest was sold. As you look through land records, keep an eye open for the wife's name on deeds, bills of sales, and on other documents related to real estate. A dower release may also be recorded, which acts as an affidavit to allow property to be sold. Also, look among estate papers and probate court minutes for dower provisions that allow a widow to remain on a piece of property or to collect income from the same for the remainder of her life.