Family allowance; construction; penalties

§ 19–101. Family allowance; construction; penalties (a) Upon the death of a person leaving a surviving spouse, the spouse is entitled to an allowance out of the personal estate of the decedent of the sum of $500 for the, personal use of himself and of minor children. The allowance shall be paid in money, or in specific property at its fair value, as the surviving spouse may elect. It is exempt from all debts and obligations of the decedent, and is subject only to the payment of funeral expenses not exceeding $200. (b) When there, is no surviving spouje, the surviving minor children, if any, are entitled to the allowance provided for by subsection (a) of this section. This allowance is payable, in the discretion of the Probate Court, to the person having custody of the children, or to such other person as the court designates. The person to whom the allowance is paid shall use it solely for the care and maintenance of the children. 79 Stat. 694 (c) The allowance provided for by this section is in addition to the respective shares or the surviving spouse and children. (d) This section applies to estates of all persons dying after June 24, 1949; and if there is any conflict or inconsistency between this section and other provisions of this Part or any other law, this section controls. (e) Whoever, with respect to the family allowance authorized by this section: (1) makes a false affidavit; or (2) willfully violates an order of the Probate Court; or (3) willfully violates a provision of this sect ion— shall be fined not more than $500 for each offense.