29A-2-403. Family allowance. (a) In addition to the homestead allowance and exempt property, the decedent's surviving spouse and minor children whom the decedent was obligated to support and the children who were in fact being supported by the decedent shall be allowed a reasonable family allowance in money out of the estate for their maintenance during the period of administration.

(b) Without the necessity of court approval, the personal representative may determine the family allowance in a lump sum not exceeding $18,000 or in installments not exceeding $1,500 per month for one year.

(c) The family allowance shall be payable to the surviving spouse, if living, for the use of the surviving spouse and any minor or dependent children; otherwise to the children, their guardian, conservator, or persons having their care and custody. If a minor child or dependent child is not living with the surviving spouse, the allowance may be made partially to the child or the guardian, conservator, or person having the care and custody of that child, and partially to the spouse, as their needs may appear.

(d) The family allowance is exempt from and has priority over all claims except the homestead and exempt property allowances.

(e) The family allowance is not chargeable against any benefit or share passing to the surviving spouse or children by the will of the decedent, unless otherwise provided, by intestate succession, or by way of elective share. The death of any person entitled to the family allowance terminates the right of that person to allowances not yet paid.

(f) The personal representative or an interested person aggrieved by any determination, payment, proposed payment, or failure to act under this section may petition the court for appropriate relief, which may include a family allowance other than that which the personal representative determined or could have determined.

Source: SL 1995, ch 167, § 2-403.