4 - Property of Spouses in Law in Renaissance Florence

Summary

Customarily wives brought their husbands a substantial dowry, which the husband managed as another family resource. In fact, however, husbands were not free to do as they wished. If nothing else, they faced the powerful obligation to return the dowry and other uxorial property at the end of the marriage (generally by death of a spouse). They could even see a wife claim back her dowry during marriage on the grounds of mismanagement by the husband. The shared economy of the household could fracture, although a wife's claim might also have precluded claims and loss of property to outsiders. The legal problems were evident, and jurists were largely intent on protecting spousal rights.