Art. 642.  Effect of nonappearance by a parent

If it appears from the record that the parent has been served in accordance with Article 640 or 641 and summoned to any hearing, and the parent fails to appear at the hearing, then the court shall permit the hearing to be held in the parent's absence and the petitioner shall be required to establish prima facie proof of the allegations contained in the petition.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 449, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.