In an indivisible inheritance system like the one in use in Catalonia, the participation of most women in their parents’ assets was limited to their dowry. Moreover, the usufruct rights on the husband’s goods guaranteed by law to widows were very limited. In addition, the conjugal economic regime was based on the separation of assets, the widow had no right to share the assets gained by she and her husband during their marriage. In this context of precariousness of rights marked by the law, the economic condition of widows was mainly based on the customary practices related to the dowry system and to the widowhood-usufruct. This article analyzes these practices and their transformations in the period 1770-1860, characterised by major changes and improvements in the conditions of enjoyment of the dowry and of the usufruct. As a result of this, widows achieved greater economic independence.