Ala. Code § 22-52-2: Review of Petition by Probate Judge; Examination of Petitioner; Dismissal of Petition Without Further Proceedings.

(a) When any petition is filed seeking the involuntary commitment of a respondent, the probate judge shall immediately review the petition and shall require the petitioner to be sworn and answer under oath questions regarding the petition and the respondent.

(b) If it appears from the face of the petition or from the testimony of the petitioner that the petition is totally without merit, the probate judge shall order the petition dismissed without further proceedings.