The homestead of a decedent may be sold by order of the court having jurisdiction of the estate, on petition of executor or administrator, when the same, after being reduced to its lowest area, exceeds $6,000 in value and when it is necessary that the same be sold for the payment of debts because the remainder of the estate is insufficient to pay all debts and claims against the estate and the surviving spouse or minor children fail to pay the deficiency within 30 days after notice of said petition.
Ala. Code § 6-10-95 (1975)