Hong Kong Regulations

MATRIMONIAL CAUSES RULES - RULE 49

Answer to be filed if ancillary relief contested

(1) A respondent may, without filing an answer, be heard on-

   (a)  any question of custody of, or access to, any child of the  family,

   (b)  any question whether a supervision order should be made as respects
        any such child under section 48 of the Ordinance, and

   (c)  any question of ancillary relief.

(2) A respondent, co-respondent or party cited may, without filing an answer,
be heard on any question as to costs but no allegation shall be made against a
party claiming costs unless the party making the allegation has filed an
answer.

(3) A party shall be entitled to be heard on any question pursuant to
paragraph (1) or (2) whether or not he has returned to the court office an
acknowledgment of service stating his wish to be heard on that question. (L.N.
31 of 1975)

(4) In proceedings after a decree nisi of divorce or a decree of judicial
separation no order the effect of which would b e to make a co-respondent or
party cited liable for costs which are not directly referable to the decree
shall be made unless the co-respondent or party cited is a party to such
proceedings or has been given notice of the intention to apply for such an
order. (L.N. 135 of 1972; L.N. 123 of 1974)