Section 18. After the expiration of the time allowed by section twelve, the probate court shall make a decree for the distribution of the estate among the creditors in accordance with this chapter. If, before making the decree, the court has notice of an appeal then claimed or pending, the decree may be suspended until the determination of the appeal, or a distribution may be ordered among the creditors whose debts are allowed, leaving an amount sufficient to pay to the claimant whose demand is disputed a proportion equal to that of the other creditors.