What happens to a property transaction if one spouse's dower rights are not addressed?

When a property transaction does not address one spouse's dower rights, the transaction may be declared invalid. Dower rights are legal rights that typically give a surviving spouse a claim to a portion of the deceased spouse's property. Even though dower rights can vary by jurisdiction, if these rights are not recognized in a transaction, it undermines the legally protected interest of the spouse. This means that if a property is sold without properly dealing with the dower rights, the non-consenting spouse may contest the validity of the transaction, potentially leading to legal complications that could result in the transaction being set aside by the court. It's essential in real estate transactions, particularly in rural areas where these rights may be more pronounced, to ensure that both parties’ rights are properly acknowledged and documented to avoid such issues.