(a) In an action against several next of kin or legatees jointly for assets delivered to them, if a recovery is had against such next of kin or legatees, the cost of the action shall be apportioned among the several defendants in proportion to the amount recovered against each of them.
(b) A decree against several next of kin or legatees shall be satisfied as to any one of them by the payment or satisfaction of the amount recovered against such defendant.