(a) A surviving spouse of a decedent who was domiciled in this state is entitled to a homestead allowance of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). If there is no surviving spouse, each minor child and each dependent child of the decedent is entitled to a homestead allowance amounting to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) divided by the number of minor and dependent children of the decedent. The homestead allowance is exempt from and has priority over all claims against the estate. Homestead allowance is in addition to any share passing to the surviving spouse or minor or dependent child by the will of the decedent unless otherwise provided in the will, by intestate succession or by way of elective share.
(b) The value of any constitutional right of homestead in the family home received by a surviving spouse or child shall be charged against that spouse or child’s homestead allowance to the extent that the family home is part of the decedent’s estate or would have been but for the homestead provision of the Constitution.