(a) Upon the filing of the verified application with the judge of probate, the judge of probate shall give notice of the filing of the application by publication in one or more newspapers published in the county, if there are any, that an application to the judge of probate has been submitted and that the judge of probate will determine if the application complies with Section 11-41-1, and that further notice will be given for the filing of any objections.
(b) The judge of probate shall have a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 45 days, within which to ascertain compliance with Section 11-41-1. If the judge of probate determines that the application does not comply with Section 11-41-1, the judge of probate shall enter an order to that effect, which order shall be sent in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. The order shall state the reasons for noncompliance. Any party to the application shall have a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days, within which to request leave of court to amend the application to cure the deficiencies in the application as identified by the judge of probate. If the judge of probate determines that the amended application does not comply with Section 11-41-1, the judge of probate shall enter an order to that effect, which order shall be sent in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. Any applicant shall have 10 days from the date of the order of the judge of probate determining noncompliance with Section 11-41-1 as to the amended application, within which to appeal the order in accordance with applicable law and procedure.
(c) Upon the judge of probate ascertaining compliance with Section 11-41-1, the judge of probate shall give notice of the filing of the application by publication in one or more newspapers, if there are any, published in the county and by posting in three public places, within the limits of the proposed town or city, that an application has been filed and that all interested parties shall have 30 days from the date of last publication within which to file a written objection to the application with the judge of probate. Any objection shall state with specificity the basis for the objection and a copy of the objection shall be served upon the persons submitting the incorporation application to the judge of probate in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. The judge of probate shall set a hearing on any objection within 30 days of the objection being filed. If an objection is filed, all time deadlines and proceedings shall be stayed pending a ruling on the objection by the judge of probate. If the judge of probate determines that the objection is meritorious, the judge of probate shall deny the application and enter a final order in the case. If no objection is timely filed, or if the judge of probate grants the incorporation application, the judge of probate shall enter a final order directing an election to be held within 90 days after the entry of the order granting the application, at a place within the limits of the proposed town or city to be designated by him or her. The judge of probate shall give notice by publication in one or more newspapers, if there are any, published in the county and by posting in three public places, within the limits of the proposed town or city, that the election will be held at a certain time and place and that a plat showing the limits of the proposed city or town is on file in the office of the judge of probate of the county. If the judge of probate grants the incorporation application and the order is appealed and the order is stayed during the pendency of the appeal, upon the appellate court affirming the order of the judge of probate, the judge of probate shall direct an election to be held as provided herein. Any contest to an election ordered under this section shall be filed within 42 days of the date upon which the election results are certified by the judge of probate.