(1) If one parent appears at the hearing, but the other parent fails to appear after being sent a notice of hearing, the administrative law judge (ALJ) enters an order of default against the parent that did not appear. The hearing proceeds as described in WAC 388-14A-3140. See WAC 388-14A-6110 and 388-14A-6115 to determine whether the ALJ issues an initial order or a final order.

(2) The division of child support (DCS) and the parent that did appear may enter a consent order, but not an agreed settlement. The obligation in the consent order may be higher or lower, or different from, the terms set forth in the notice, without further notice to the nonappearing parent, if necessary for an accurate support order. The terms of the consent order become final when the order of default to the parent that did not appear becomes final, as provided in WAC 388-14A-6125.

(3) DCS and the parent that did appear may proceed to hearing. The ALJ may enter an initial decision setting an obligation which is higher or lower, or different from, the terms set forth in the notice, without further notice to the nonappearing parent, if necessary for an accurate support order. See WAC 388-14A-6110 and 388-14A-6115 to determine whether the ALJ issues an initial order or a final order.

(4) The parent that did not appear may petition to vacate the order of default pursuant to WAC 388-14A-6150.

(5) If the ALJ vacates the order of default, the ALJ then conducts a full hearing on the merits of the notice and finding of financial responsibility (NFFR), notice and finding of parental responsibility (NFPR) or notice and finding of medical responsibility (NFMR). All parties may participate in the hearing.

(6) If the parent who did not appear at the hearing is unsuccessful in the motion to vacate the default order, the ALJ may treat the petition as a petition to modify the support order.