(a) When to File.  The parents or other respondents shall file an answer to the petition not later than the date provided in the case schedule.  If the petition is amended subsequent to filing, the parents and other respondents shall file an answer to the amended portions of the petition within fourteen (14) days of the amendment or at the date provided in the case schedule, whichever occurs later.
    (b) Age of Child Who May Answer.  A child aged twelve or older may file an answer to the petition, but shall not be required to do so.
    (c) Content of Answer.  The answer shall specifically address and admit or deny each allegation in the petition.  Denials shall fairly meet the substance of allegations denied.  When a parent or other respondent intends in good faith to deny only a part of or to qualify an allegation, he or she shall specify so much of it as is true and material and shall deny only the remainder.  If a parent or other respondent is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of an allegation, he or she shall so state and this shall have the same effect as a denial.  The answer may be signed by the parent or other respondent, the attorney representing the parent or other respondent, or both.  If the answer is signed only by the attorney representing the parent or other respondent, the answer shall include a certification by the attorney that the specific admissions and denials contained in the answer have been discussed with that attorney and approved by the parent or respondent that the attorney represents.

[Effective January 2, 1994; Amended effective March 20, 1997.]