What is an example of a dower right?

The definition of dower rights pertains specifically to the legal entitlement a spouse has in the event of their partner's death, whereby they have a claim to a portion of the deceased spouse's property. This legal principle historically ensured that a surviving spouse, particularly a wife, would be provided for after the death of their husband. Therefore, option B accurately captures this essence by indicating that a spouse has an interest in their partner's property.

Dower rights are typically conferred on the surviving spouse regardless of what is stated in a will, emphasizing the protection of the spouse's financial security. This right can vary by state in terms of the percentage of the estate that the surviving spouse is entitled to and how it is executed, but the central tenet revolves around the spouse's legal interest in the property acquired during the marriage.

In contrast, the other options relate to different legal concepts or contexts that do not align with the definition of dower rights. For example, inheriting property from family represents general inheritance abilities rather than a spousal relationship. Living rent-free might be an arrangement or agreement but does not constitute dower rights. Likewise, a business partner's interest in property pertains to business relations rather than marital rights.