85-7-1843. Summons, publication, and court determination. (1) Upon the filing of such petition, summons shall be issued thereon and served upon all parties defendant thereto, with a copy of the petition attached thereto, in the same manner and in the same form as issued in civil actions. Whenever any necessary party thereto cannot, after due diligence, be found within the state of Montana, service upon such party or parties may be had by publication of a summons, which shall be obtained, issued, and published in the same manner as a published summons in a civil action.

(2) The provisions of Title 25 and the rules of pleading and practice applicable to civil actions generally shall apply, so far as applicable, to this proceeding.

(3) If the allegations to such petition be denied, the district court shall, when the time for appearance of the parties defendant thereto has expired and said parties have appeared by answer or made default, proceed to hear and determine the issues in said proceedings as joined.