(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.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 22 - Health, Mental Health, and Environmental Control.
Chapter 52 - Commitment, Discharge and Transfer of Persons in State Institutions.
Article 1 - Commitment of Mentally Ill Persons Generally.
Section 22-52-1.1 - Definitions.
Section 22-52-1.2 - Filing and Contents of Petition Seeking Involuntary Commitment of Another.
Section 22-52-8 - Holding of Probable Cause and Final Hearings Generally.
Section 22-52-9 - Conduct of Hearings.
Section 22-52-10.2 - Findings Necessary for Outpatient Treatment.
Section 22-52-10.3 - Order for Outpatient Treatment.
Section 22-52-10.4 - Findings Necessary for Inpatient Treatment; Order When No Treatment Available.
Section 22-52-10.5 - Facilities for Inpatient Treatment; Length of Treatment; Cost.
Section 22-52-10.7 - Transfer to Another Facility.
Section 22-52-10.10 - Renewal of Outpatient Commitment Order.
Section 22-52-11 - Retention of Jurisdiction by Probate Court Over Person Committed.
Section 22-52-12 - Conveyance of Person Committed to Facility; Expenses of Conveyance.
Section 22-52-12.1 - Designated Mental Health Facilities; Standards of Care.
Section 22-52-12.2 - Renewal Petition Time Limit for Certain Patients.
Section 22-52-14 - Payment of Costs.