Hong Kong Regulations

MATRIMONIAL CAUSES RULES - RULE 21

Contents of answer and subsequent pleadings

(1) Where an answer, reply or subsequent pleading contains more than a simple
denial of the facts stated in the petition, answer or reply, as the case may
be, the pleading shall set out with sufficient particularity the facts relied
on but not the evidence by which they are to be proved and, if the pleading is
filed by the husband or wife, it shall, in relation to those facts, contain
the information required in the case of a petition by paragraphs (10), (11)
and (14) of Form 2.

(2) Unless otherwise directed, an answer by a husband or wife who disputes any
statement required by paragraphs (4), (5) and (6) of Form 2 to be included in
the petition shall contain full particulars of the facts relied on.

(3) Paragraph (8) of Form 2 and so much of that form as requires the petition
to conclude with a prayer giving details of the relief claimed shall, where
appropriate, apply with the necessary modifications to a respondent spouse's
answer as they apply to a petition: Provided that it shall not be necessary to
include in the answer claim for costs against the petitioner.

(4) Rule 9(11) shall apply with the necessary modifications to pleading other
than a petition as it applies to a petition.

(5) Where a party's pleading includes such a statement as is mentioned in rule
9(11), then if the opposite party-

   (a)  denies the conviction, finding or adjudication to which the statement
        relates, or

   (b)  alleges that the conviction, finding or adjudication was erroneous, or

   (c)  denies that the conviction, finding or adjudication is relevant to any
        issue in the proceedings, he must make the denial or allegation in his
        pleading.

(6) Rule 11 shall apply with the necessary modifications to a pleading other
than a petition as it applies to a petition.

(7) An answer by a husband shall contain the information required in the case
of a petition by paragraph (10) of Form 2. (L.N. 135 of 1972)