Legal Definitions - widower's allowance

A widower's allowance is a portion of a deceased person's estate that is set aside by law for the surviving spouse, regardless of any competing claims or testamentary dispositions. This allowance is also known as a spousal allowance.

For example, if a person dies and leaves behind a surviving spouse, the court may award a portion of the estate to the surviving spouse as a widower's allowance. This allowance is intended to provide temporary maintenance and support to the surviving spouse and may be limited for a fixed period or continue until all contests are resolved.

Widower's allowance is different from a family allowance, which is a portion of the estate set aside by law for the surviving spouse, children, or parents.

Overall, a widower's allowance is a legal provision that ensures that the surviving spouse receives a portion of the deceased person's estate for temporary maintenance and support.