§ 30.1-07-02 — (2-404) Family allowance

1. In addition to the right to homestead allowance and exempt property, the decedent's
surviving spouse and minor children whom the decedent was obligated to support and
children who were in fact being supported by the decedent are entitled to a reasonable
allowance in money out of the estate for their maintenance during the period of
administration, which allowance may not continue for longer than one year if the estate
is inadequate to discharge allowed claims. The allowance may be paid as a lump sum
or in periodic installments. It is payable to the surviving spouse, if living, for the use of
the surviving spouse and minor and dependent children; otherwise to the children, 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
child's guardian or other person having the child's care and custody, and partially to
the spouse, as their needs may appear. The family allowance is exempt from and has
priority over all claims except the homestead allowance.
2. 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
family allowance terminates the right to allowances not yet paid.