Pennsylvania § 3541 - Order of abatement.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3541 — Order of abatement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3541. Order of abatement.
(a) General rules.--Except as otherwise provided by the will, if the assets are insufficient to pay all claimants and distributees in full, the shares of distributees, without distinction between real and personal estate, shall have priority of distribution in the following order:
(1) Property specifically devised or bequeathed to or for the benefit of the surviving spouse.
(2) Property specifically devised or bequeathed to or for the benefit of the decedent's issue.
(3) Property specifically devised or bequeathed to or for the benefit of other distributees.
(4) Property disposed of by will in the form of a general bequest of cash, stocks or bonds.
(5) Property disposed of by general devise or bequest and not included in a residuary clause.
(6) Property devised or bequeathed in a residuary clause.
(7) Property not disposed of by the will.
(b) Demonstrative legacies.--Property out of which a demonstrative legacy is primarily to be paid shall be deemed to be specifically devised or bequeathed to the extent of such demonstrative legacy.
Cross References. Section 3541 is referred to in sections 3542, 7799.2 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 3541
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3541 cover?
Section 3541 ("Order of abatement.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 3541?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3541" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 3541 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.