(a) If dower or curtesy is not assigned to the surviving spouse within one (1) year after the death of his or her spouse, or within three (3) months after demand made therefor, the surviving spouse may file a written petition in the circuit court. This petition shall include a description of the lands in which he or she claims dower or curtesy, the names of those having interest in the lands, and the amount of the interest briefly stated in ordinary language with a prayer for the allotment of dower or curtesy. All persons interested in the property shall be summoned to appear and answer the petition.
(b) Upon the petition's by all interested in the property being filed, or upon a summons being served upon all who have an interest in the property, the circuit court may make an order for the allotment of dower or curtesy according to the rights of the parties by commissioners appointed according to law.
(c) Parties interested may be constructively summoned, as provided by Rule 4 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(d)
(1) No verification shall be required to the petition or answer.
(2) Petitions for dower or curtesy shall be heard and determined by the court without the necessity of formal pleading upon the petition, answer, exhibits, and other testimony.
(e) If the petition is filed against infants or persons of unsound mind, the guardian or committee may appear and defend for them and protect their interests, and, if the guardian or committee does not appear and defend, the court shall appoint some discreet person for that purpose.
(f) If any person summoned, as provided in this section, desires to contest the rights of the petitioner or the statements in the petition, he or she shall do so by a written answer, and the questions of the law and fact thereupon arising shall be tried and determined by the circuit court.
(g) The costs of the division and allotment shall be apportioned among the parties in the ratio of their interests, and the costs arising from any contest of fact or law shall be paid by the party adjudged to be in the wrong.