What is "elective share"

n. (context legal English) A proportion of a decedent's estate which the surviving spouse may claim, as a substitute for what they were left in the decedent's will.

An elective share is a term used in American law relating to inheritance, which describes a proportion of an estate which the surviving spouse of the deceased may claim in place of what they were left in the decedent's will. It may also be called a widow's share, statutory share, election against the will, or forced share.