A partition of real estate made under this chapter shall not be avoided in consequence of a conveyance by an owner of a part of the estate of his or her interest therein executed prior to the service of the summons and complaint, unless it appears that the plaintiff had knowledge of the conveyance or that it was recorded according to law at the time the complaint was served or notice given as hereinbefore provided. (Amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 156, eff. March 29, 1972.)