If any debt of the decedent that is of the same or a prior class to that on which an action is brought has been paid by any next of kin, legatee, heir, or devisee, that person may give evidence of the payment, and the amount of debts so paid shall be estimated in ascertaining the amount to be recovered in the same manner as if those paid debts were outstanding and unpaid as prescribed in ss. 877.38 and 877.39.
Wis. Stat. § 877.40