§36-12-21. Proceedings for recovery of papers, property, etc., by successor to office generally - Filing of complaint; issuance of order to person refusing, etc., to deliver papers, etc., to show cause why delivery of same should not be compelled.

If any person refuses or neglects, after demand made, to deliver over any books, papers or property as required in Section 36-12-20, his successor may make complaint thereof to the judge of the circuit court or judge of the probate court of the county in which the person refusing resides; and, if such officer is satisfied by the oath of the plaintiff and such other evidence as may be offered that any such books, papers or property are withheld, he shall grant an order requiring the person so refusing to show cause before him, on a day and at a place named in such order, why he should not be compelled to deliver the same.

(Code 1852, §155; Code 1867, §194; Code 1876, §207; Code 1886, §302; Code 1896, §3134; Code 1907, §1550; Code 1923, §2684; Code 1940, T. 41, §133.)