When it appears to the probate division of the superior court that it would be beneficial to the widow or surviving husband of a deceased person, interested in the homestead, or when it appears that the severance of such homestead would greatly depreciate the value of the residue of the premises or would be of great inconvenience to the parties interested in such residue or in such homestead, on application of such widow or surviving husband or parties interested, the court may order the same to be sold as in case of the sale of real estate for the payment of debts. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011.)