As amended through October 28, 2024
Rule 19 - Responsive pleadings(a) An answer to an abuse, neglect, and/or dependency petition, a petition to terminate parental rights, or a petition for a change of custody must be filed ten days after pretrial or twenty-five days after service of the petition whichever comes first, if the petition is not resolved at pretrial. The answer may be made orally at a pretrial hearing but otherwise must comply with Utah R. Juv. P. 34. Default against a party who fails to appear either in person or by counsel at pretrial, or who fails to file a n answer may be entered pursuant to Utah R. Juv. P. 34.(b) Before answering, the respondent may move to dismiss the petition as insufficient to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The court shall hear all parties and rule on said motion before requiring a party to answer.(c) A party may file a written pleading or motion concerning the allegations of the petition before or at the hearing. Such pleading or a true and complete copy thereof shall be made available to the other parties of record. At the request of a party or on the court's own motion, the court shall set the matter for hearing to allow either party to respond to the issues raised in the pleading or motion.(d) If a hearing has been requested and the non-moving party fails to file a memorandum in opposition, the moving party may withdraw the request or the court on its own motion may strike the request and decide the motion without oral argument.Amended effective 11/1/2017.