New York Consolidated Laws, Lien Law - LIE § 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.