If any lands are held by the state and by individuals as tenants in common, proceedings for the partition thereof may be had against the state in the same manner as against individuals, and the like orders and judgments shall be had therein, and the proportion of the costs and expenses of such partition, adjudged to be paid by the state, shall be certified by the attorney general and paid out of the state treasury on the warrant of the department of administration. The summons and all notices required to be served shall be served on the attorney general, who shall appear in behalf of the state and attend to its interest.