In regards to probate law, Stow proposed a bill to the legislature of California in 1876 stating that the widow of a spouse would be granted control over their property and putting their affairs in order. Stow also met with attorney Belva Lockwood in Washington, D.C., and together they came up with a bill to reform federal marital property and estate laws; they brought it to the House of Representatives in 1879, but it was brushed aside.
In probate law, Stow proposed a bill to the legislature of California in 1876 granting control over property and affairs to a spouse's widow. Stow also met with attorney Belva Lockwood in Washington, D.C., and together they drafted legislation to reform federal marital property and estate laws; they presented it to the House of Representatives in 1879 but it was rejected.