(a)
Any interested person may appear and, at or before the time of the hearing, file a written statement of the person’s interest in the estate. The written statement may be in support of, or in opposition to, the petition. No other pleadings are necessary and the written statement of each claimant shall be deemed denied by each of the other claimants to the extent the written statements conflict.
(b)
If a person fails timely to file a writen statement:
(1)
The case is at issue notwithstanding the failure and the case may proceed on the petition and written statements filed by the time of the hearing, and no further pleadings by other persons are necessary.
(2)
The person may not participate further in the proceeding for determination of persons entitled to distribution, but the person’s interest in the estate is not otherwise affected.
(3)
The person is bound by the decision in the proceeding.