Virginia § 64.2-553 - When court to order payment of debts

Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 64.2-553 — When court to order payment of debts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 64.2-553. When court to order payment of debts

A. Upon confirmation of a report of the accounts of any personal representative and of the debts and demands against the decedent's estate pursuant to Chapter 12 (§ 64.2-1200 et seq.), the court shall order that so much of the estate in the possession of the personal representative as is proper be applied to the payment of such debts and demands. The court, in its discretion, may order that a portion of the estate be reserved to pay all or a proportion of a claim of a surety for the decedent or any other contingent claim against the estate, or to pay all or a proportion of any other claim not finally passed upon, provided that creditors of the same class shall be paid in the same proportion.

B. For any claim allowed subsequent to any dividend where the court ordered that a portion of the estate be reserved to pay such a claim, the court shall order that the claim be paid from the estate in the possession of the personal representative, regardless of the existence of any debt or demand of superior dignity for which no reservation has been ordered. The claim shall be paid in the same proportion as creditors of the same class, provided, however, that whether there be enough reserved to pay the claim pursuant to this subsection shall not affect any dividend already paid.

C. If there are assets remaining in the possession of the personal representative after claims are paid pursuant to subsections A and B, or if further assets come into the possession of the personal representative, such surplus shall be divided among all the decedent's creditors who have proved debts and demands against the decedent's estate in the order and proportion in which they may be entitled.

Code 1950, §§ 64-164, 64-165, 64-166; 1968, c. 656, §§ 64.1-174, 64.1-175, 64.1-176; 2012, c. 614.

Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 64.2-553

What does Code of Virginia § 64.2-553 cover?

Section 64.2-553 ("When court to order payment of debts") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. 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 Virginia § 64.2-553?

A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 64.2-553" (Virginia). 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 Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.

How does Virginia § 64.2-553 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia 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 Virginia.