A petition or application for probate of will, adjudication of intestacy, appointment of a personal representative, guardian or conservator shall be subject, on the court's own motion and with or without prior notice to interested persons, to dismissal without prejudice when it appears from the records of the court that no action on the petition or application has been taken by the petitioner or applicant for 4 months or longer, and nothing appears in the records of the court which may explain or excuse the delay. If the dismissal is ordered without notice, the clerk of the court shall promptly notify the petitioner or applicant and attorney of record of such action.