14Hearing in absence of parties

14 Hearing in absence of parties If, in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage: (a) a joint application has been made in accordance with Part B of Form 4; or (b) both: (i) at the date of the hearing there are no children of the marriage, within the meaning given in subsection 55A (3) of the Act, under the age of 18; and (ii) the respondent has been served with a request in accordance with Part B of Form 4 not less than 28 days before the date of hearing; unless a response opposing the application is filed, the court or a Registrar may determine the proceeding even if neither the parties to the proceeding nor their lawyers are present. > Note An application for dissolution of marriage (whether by one party or jointly) may not be determined if there are any children of the marriage who are under 18 and the court is not satisfied that proper arrangements in all the circumstances have been made for the care, welfare and development of the children: see subsection 98A (2A) of the Act.