A petition for the appointment of a guardian may be filed by any relative or friend of the ward or by any person who is authorized by law to file a petition. If there is no person so authorized or if the person so authorized refuses or fails to file a petition within thirty (30) days after the mailing of notice by the veterans administration to the last known address of the person, if any, indicating the necessity for the appointment, a petition for appointment may be filed by any resident of this state.