The order of sale must describe the lands to be sold and the terms of sale, which may be for cash or may be for one-fourth (1/4) cash and the balance on a credit not exceeding two (2) years, payable in gross or installments within that time, with interest, as the court may direct. The land may be sold in one parcel or in subdivisions, as the executor or administrator shall judge most beneficial to the estate, unless the court otherwise specially directs. If it appears that any part of such real estate has been devised and not charged in such devise with the payment of debts or legacies, the court must order the remainder to be sold before that so devised. Every such sale must be ordered to be made at a public auction, unless, in the opinion of the court, it would benefit the estate to sell the whole or some part of such real estate at private sale; the court may, if the same is asked for in the petition, order or direct such real estate, or any part thereof, to be sold either at public or private sale, as the executor or administrator shall judge to be most beneficial to the estate. If the executor or administrator neglects or refuses to make a sale under the order as directed therein, he may be compelled to sell, by order of the court, made on motion, after due notice, by any party interested.
R.L.1910, § 6379; Laws 1970, c. 120, § 1, eff. July 1, 1970.