A. If no informal family services plan agreement has been made, the court shall require the child, the child's caretaker, or other family member served with the petition to appear to answer the petition at any time prior to the adjudication hearing but no later than forty-five days after the filing of the petition.
B. The court may also permit the parties to stipulate that the family is in need of services.
C. If the petition is filed prior to or during the hearing to determine continued custody, the court may order any party to answer the petition upon completion of the hearing or permit the entry of a stipulation that the family is in need of services.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §7.