(1)  Every petition under Chapter V or Chapter VI shall state, as distinctly as the nature of the case permits the facts on which the claim to relief is founded, and shall also state that there is no collusion between, the petitioner and the other party to the marriage.

   (2)  The statements contained in every such petition shall be verified by the petitioner or some other competent person in the manner required by law for the verification of plaints, and may, at the hearing, be referred to as evidence.