If, in an Application for Divorce (Form 3) (other than a case started by a joint Application):

(a)

no Response (Form 3A) has been filed;

(b)

at the date fixed for the hearing, there are no children of the marriage within the meaning of subsection 98A (3) of the Act;

(c)

the applicant has requested that the case be heard in the absence of the parties; and

(d)

the respondent has not requested the court not to hear the case in the absence of the parties;

the court may determine the case in the absence of the parties.