In all actions in the superior court, in the nature of a proceeding in equity, for the sale of real estate, the court may, when the personal estate of the ancestor from whom the real estate descended is insufficient to pay his just debts, direct such real estate to be sold free from the lien of such debts, and to make such order touching the disposition of the proceeds of the sale as may be necessary for the ascertainment and payment of such deficiency thereout before the distribution of the fund.

L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.