When an attorney enters his appearance at the Chapter 61 docket call, this constitutes a general denial of plaintiffs claim. Patterson v. Brouhard, 246 Kan. 700, 792 P.2d 983 (1990). I assume the same thing applies to a pro-se defendant who appears at the docket call and disputes.

This is primarily important when considering a dismissal under 60-241 (a) and whether the general denial constitutes the service of an answer. This will dictate whether the dismissal is by notice or stipulation signed by all parties. I think the general practice is to dismiss by notice even after the defendant has appeared at the docket.

This also comes into play when considering Request for Admissions under 61-1712. The law states that if the defendant has not filed an Answer or the Answer constitutes a general denial, then plaintiff can submit R/A. If the defendant files a specific denial in an Answer or more likely in a letter addressed to the court, then presumably plaintiff cannot submit R/A.