§4006. Appearance by owner
In all lien actions, when the labor or materials were not furnished by a contract with the owner of the property affected, such owner may voluntarily appear and become a party to the action. If he does not so appear, such notice of the action as the court orders shall be given him and he shall then become a party to the action. Any person interested in the article as owner, mortgagee or otherwise may appear and defend. Questions of fact at the instance of either party shall be submitted to a jury on an issue framed under the direction of the court.