When the real property of tenants in common or joint tenants is required for public purposes, one or more cotenants, or the cotenant’s guardian of the estate or general guardian, may file a petition verified by oath in the superior court of the county where the property or any part of the property is located, setting forth in the petition that the property is required for public purposes and that the cotenants’ interests would be promoted by a sale of the property. If all necessary parties are before the court and the court finds the facts alleged in the petition to be true, the court shall order a sale of the property, or as much of it as may be necessary. Attorneys’ fees shall be assessed in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 46A-3 Mediator fees and costs of mediation shall be assessed in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.3B. Other costs and expenses shall be assessed in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 6-21 ?(1868-9, c. 122, s. 16; Code, s. 1907; Rev., s. 2518; C.S., s. 3238; 1949, c. 719, s. 2; 2005-67, s. 4; 2020-23, ss. 2(ee), 3.)