Any person interested may appear before a dividend is made and file with the clerk any exceptions to the claim or demand of any creditor. The clerk shall immediately cause notice thereof to be given to the creditor which shall be served and returned as in the case of a summons. Within the time allowed to answer in an action at law, the creditor shall file his reply. The court shall designate the time for the hearing, and shall at such time hear the allegations and proof offered and shall render a just judgment thereon.