The assignee may contest any claim. Any creditor desirous of having a claim contested may by writing request the assignee to do so and the service of any such request shall operate to stay the payment of any dividend upon such claim until the further order of the court; or any creditor may petition the court for an order requiring the assignee to contest any claim. The contest of any claim shall be instituted by serving, personally or by mail, a notice upon the claimant stating that such claim will be contested and for what reasons. Upon said proof of claim and proof of such service being filed with the clerk of said court, he shall enter such contest as cause in the name of such creditor against such assignor. The circuit court of such county shall proceed with the trial of said cause in the same manner as in other suits at law and shall have power to cause further pleadings to be filed and to allow new or amended ones as may be deemed necessary. The costs or any part thereof may be awarded to either party as the court may deem just and right under the circumstances. Whenever costs are awarded to the creditor, they shall be taxed and shall be paid by the assignee out of the assets if he has sufficient for that purpose. On the filing of the assignment referred to in section 5201, the assignor shall pay to the clerk of the court filing fee of $5.00. For all subsequent proceedings, fees shall be due and payable in accordance with the provisions of the statute relating generally to trials in circuit court.