Indiana § 29-1-17-3 - Abatement of distributee shares
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 29-1-17-3 — Abatement of distributee shares, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-1-17-3. Abatement of distributee shares
Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) hereof, shares of the distributees shall abate, for the payment of claims, legacies, the allowance provided by IC 29-1-4-1, the shares of pretermitted heirs or the share of the surviving spouse who elects to take against the will, without any preference or priority as between real and personal property, in the following order:
(1) Property not disposed of by the will.
(2) Property devised to the residuary devisee.
(3) Property disposed of by the will but not specifically devised and not devised to the residuary devisee.
(4) Property specifically devised.
A general devise charged on any specific property or fund shall, for purposes of abatement be deemed property specifically devised to the extent of the value of the thing on which it is charged. Upon the failure or insufficiency of the thing on which it is charged, it shall be deemed property not specifically devised to the extent of such failure or insufficiency.
(b) If the provisions of the will or the testamentary plan or the express or implied purpose of the devise would be defeated by the order of abatement stated in subsection (a) hereof, the shares of distributees shall abate in such other manner as may be found necessary to give effect to the intention of the testator.
Formerly: Acts 1953, c.112, s.1703. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.260, SEC.2.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 29-1-17-3
What does Indiana Code § 29-1-17-3 cover?
Section 29-1-17-3 ("Abatement of distributee shares") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 29-1-17-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 29-1-17-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 29-1-17-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.