(a) In any case in which the responding party fails to appear at the hearing, the Administrative Hearing Officer shall proceed to hear the case based upon the testimony of the petitioning party and other evidence presented, and shall recommend that the court enter an appropriate order. If the petitioning party agrees to the Administrative Hearing Officer's recommended order, a copy of such order signed by the petitioning party and a notice advising the absent party of his or her right to object shall be served upon the absent party in the following manner:
- (1) If service to commence the proceeding before the Administrative Hearing Officer was by regular mail, the notice and recommended order shall be served in the same manner as summonses are served in other civil proceedings, or, in lieu of personal service, by certified mail, return receipt requested, mailed to the absent party's last known address. If service is made by certified mail, the return receipt shall constitute proof of service.
- (2) If service to commence the proceeding before the Administrative Hearing Officer was as provided in the Code of Civil Procedure and Supreme Court Rules, the notice and recommended order shall be served by regular mail to the absent party's last known address.