N.Y. Lien Law § 48: Proceedings on return of summons; answer; judgment by default

§ 48. Proceedings on return of summons; answer; judgment by default.

At the time and place specified in the summons for the return thereof,

in a court not of record, issue must be joined, if both parties appear,

by the defendant filing with the justice a verified answer, containing a

general denial of each allegation of the complaint, or a specific denial

of one or more of the material allegations thereof; or any other matter

constituting a defense to the lien or to the claim upon which it is

founded. If the defendant fail to appear on the return-day, on proof by

affidavit of the service of the summons and complaint, judgment may be

rendered for the amount claimed, with costs.