(3) If the defendant, or all the defendants, to probate proceedings, fails or fail to file an acknowledgment of service or file and serve a defence, then, unless on the application of the claimant the court orders the claim to be dismissed or discontinued, the claimant may apply to the court at the first hearing —
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(a) for the claim to be dealt with summarily at that hearing; or
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(b) for a trial date to be fixed and any necessary directions to be given.