Section 4. The estate of homestead existing at the death of a person holding a homestead shall continue for the benefit of the surviving spouse and minor children and shall be held and enjoyed by them, if one of them or a purchaser under section eight occupies the premises, until the youngest unmarried child is eighteen and until the marriage or death of the spouse; and if a widow or minor children are entitled to an estate of homestead as provided herein, it may be set off to them in the same manner as dower. But all the right, title and interest of the deceased in the premises in which such estate exists, except the estate of homestead thus continued, shall be subject to the laws relating to devise, descent, dower and sale for the payment of debts and legacies.