Ala. Code § 12-13-38: Appointment of Special Judge in Event of Refusal to Act, Death, Etc., of Original Special Judge and Continuation of Incompetence, Absence, Etc., of Probate Judge.

If the special judge so appointed fails or refuses to act or, having commenced to act and before finally concluding or determining such matter or proceeding, dies, becomes incompetent or fails or refuses to continue acting therein, the incompetency, absence, sickness or other disqualification of the probate judge continuing, the Alabama Supreme Court, upon the facts being certified to it, shall appoint another special judge of like qualification.