Dvc ex parte

My wife filed DVC asking huge compensation. Ever since I filed divorce my life has come hell. My father was very much worried about me and he passed away last month. DVC notice came on my permanent address where my parents live. Since father was not keeping well, he was hospitalized and nobody was at home. during that time DVC notice came and went back. 2nd time when notice came my mother received it as it was on her name. We attended 2nd hearing and we came to know it became ex parte. When I checked the status online it was as "Petitioner present. R1 absent. No representation service held sufficient he is set ex parte Issue fresh summons to R2 call on" . What does it mean? How can it become ex parte when notice was not served?