14 V.S.A. § 317: Allowance to children before payment of debts

The court may make reasonable allowance for the necessary expenses of support and maintenance of any children of the decedent until they reach 18 years of age. The court may order the executor or administrator to retain sufficient estate assets for that purpose, except where some provision is made by will for their support. The allowance shall be made before any distribution of the estate among creditors, heirs, or beneficiaries by will.