(1) If
the spouse of any absentee owner, or his next of kin, if said
absentee has no spouse, shall wish to sell or transfer any property
of the absentee which has a gross value of less than five thousand
dollars, or shall require the consent of the absentee in any matter
regarding the absentee's children, or any other matter in which the
gross value of the subject matter is less than five thousand
dollars, such spouse or next of kin may apply to the superior court
for an order authorizing said sale, transfer, or consent without
opening a full trustee proceeding as provided in this chapter. The
applicant may make the application without the assistance of an
attorney. Said application shall be made by petition on the
following form, which form shall be made readily available to the
applicant by the clerk of the superior court.
[1972 ex.s. c 83 § 3.]