A small amount of money set aside from the estate of the deceased. Its purpose is to provide for the surviving family members during the administration of the estate.

A portion of a decedent's estate that is set aside for certain family members regardless of what the will says.

An income allowance for the support of the surviving spouse and/or qualifying children for the administration period.

Money available from an estate for the testator's spouse and children while the estate is being settled.

The surviving spouse and minor children are entitled to a reasonable family allowance in cash from the estate for their maintenance during the period of probate administration. The personal representative may determine the family allowance in a lump sum not exceeding $18,000, or periodic installments not exceeding $1,500 per month for one year.

Money available from the estate to the testator's spouse and children while the estate is being settled.

A portion of a decedent's estate set aside by statute for a surviving spouse, children, or parents, regardless of any testamentary disposition or competing claims.

If a person dies in Hawaii, the 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 family allowance, which is usually $18,000. The family allowance has priority over all claims except for the homestead allowance.

A certain amount of a deceased person's money to which immediate family members are entitled at the beginning of the probate process. The allowance is meant to help support the surviving spouse and children during the time it takes to probate the estate. The amount is determined by state law and varies greatly from state to state.

a universal social program in Canada through which every family with children receives an allowance, based on a certain amount per child.