N.Y. Family Court Act § 321.1: Entry of an admission or a denial

§ 321.1. Entry of an admission or a denial. 1. At the initial

appearance the respondent shall admit or deny each charge contained in

the petition unless the petition is dismissed or the proceeding

otherwise terminated.

2. If the respondent refuses to admit or deny each such charge or

remains mute, the court must enter a denial in his behalf as to any

charge neither admitted nor denied.