In actions for partition, when an estate cannot be divided, and is ordered to be sold, and in actions for the sale of real estate by executors, administrators, guardians, and assignees, acting under a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, and in all other actions and proceedings in which the court orders the sale of real estate to satisfy a judgment or decree, the surviving spouse who has a dower interest in such real estate, and is a party, may file an answer, waive the assignment of dower by metes and bounds, and ask to have the estate sold free of dower and to be allowed, in lieu thereof, such money out of the proceeds of sale as the court deems the just value of the dower interest therein.