Ala. Code § 6-6-335: Proceedings When Parties Appear or Defendant Fails to Do So.

If the parties appear, an issue must be made between them upon the complaint, but if the defendant, having been duly cited, does not appear or, appearing, declines to plead, the case proceeds as if the defendant had denied the allegations of the complaint; or, for good cause, the trial may be postponed not more than 15 days, at the cost of the applicant.