If an individual entitled to a distributive share of the estate of a decedent is absent and unheard of for six years, two of which are after the death of the decedent, the court in which the decedent's estate is pending may order the share of the absent individual distributed in accordance with the terms of the decedent's will or the laws of intestacy as if the absent individual had not survived the decedent. If the absent individual proves to be alive, he or she shall be entitled to the share of the estate notwithstanding prior distribution, and may recover in an action on this statute any portion thereof that any other individual received under order. Before an order is made for the payment or distribution of any money or estate as authorized in this section, notice shall be given as provided by the Vermont Rules of Probate Procedure. (Added 2009, No. 55, § 5, eff. June 1, 2009; amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)