—Failure of the Defendant To

Answer If the defendant does not file an answer by the answer date, a notice of default shall be sent to all parties or their representatives and if the case does not come within the purview of Section 24- 24, the clerk shall set a date for hearing, and the judicial authority shall require the presence of the plaintiff or representative. Notice of the hearing shall be sent to all parties or their representatives. If a defendant files an answer at any time before a default judgment has been entered, including at the time of a scheduled hearing in damages, the default shall be vacated automatically. If the answer is filed at the time of a hearing in damages, the judicial authority shall allow the plaintiff a con- tinuance if requested by the plaintiff, or represen- tative. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 578.) (Amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.)