(a) Except as required by statute, a formal pleading may be dispensed with in any case in which the party required to serve the pleading appears in person.

(b) All formal pleadings and verifications thereof shall be in conformity with CPLR article 30.

(c) An order directing the service and filing of a formal pleading, or pleadings, shall specify the time within which the same shall be served and filed.