(a) The personal representative shall not be required to pay the debts of the estate, wholly or in part, until six months from the date of qualification of the first personal representative to serve. If partial payment shall be made, it shall be pro rata on debts of equal priority, including debts due the personal representative, and shall continue pro rata until the debts of the estate shall be paid out. Successive dividends to creditors shall be made at the end of every year until the estate shall be paid out.

(b) No action to recover a debt due by the decedent shall be commenced against the personal representative until the expiration of six months from the date of qualification of the first personal representative to serve.