Absence of defendant. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may proceed as if he were present and hear the complaint. The court shall require the plaintiff to establish the facts, and shall give full and careful consideration to all evidence presented and the rights and claims of the plaintiff, defendant and children, and the best interests of the child or children involved. The court shall, upon its own findings or the verdict of the jury, make such orders as it would make if the defendant were present.
Last modified: February 25, 2006