justina samwel fuko vs leah mbeshi 2012 tzhc 147 18 september 2012

justina samwel fuko vs leah mbeshi 2012 tzhc 147 18 september 2012

The respondent, as a childless widow who jointly built the matrimonial house with the deceased, is entitled to her share and maintenance from the property; only the deceased's share should be included in the estate, not the entire house.

Citation
justina samwel fuko vs leah mbeshi 2012 tzhc 147 18 september 2012
Parties
Appellant: Justina Samwel Fuko; Respondent: Leah Mbeshi
Court
TZHC
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Judgment Date
18 September 2012
Procedural Posture
Probate and Administration Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed with costs
Legal Topics
Inheritance Rights of Widows, Distribution of Matrimonial Property, Childless Widow's Entitlement, Customary Law Application
Source Language
English

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Parties

Justina Samwel Fuko

Appellant

Leah Mbeshi

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Probate and Administration Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether a childless widow is entitled to inherit the matrimonial house of her deceased husband under customary law
  2. 2 Whether the entire house should be included in the deceased's estate or only the deceased's share

Ratio Decidendi

The respondent, as a childless widow who jointly built the matrimonial house with the deceased, is entitled to her share and maintenance from the property; only the deceased's share should be included in the estate, not the entire house.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed with costs

Orders

  • Decision of the lower courts upheld
  • Respondent retains her right to the house