As soon as possible after the filing and docketing of the application under this article, the respondent shall answer the application. The court may schedule a case for a hearing prior to the filing of responsive pleadings but, in any event, shall schedule the case for a hearing as soon as possible so that the proceedings may move expeditiously.
(Code 1981, §17-10-65, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 1003, § 2.)