Family Code 2020
In a California divorce case, after a person is served with the petition for dissolution of marriage, the person served must respond within 30 days by filing an FL-120 Response.
Failure to take action may result in the respondent’s default being taken unless an extension of time is obtained by stipulation.
It is fairly routine in cases where the parties agree to resolve their case without litigation, for the respondent to obtain a written stipulation (agreement) from the Petitioner to have an open time to file a response, subject to 10 days’ notice from Petitioner before a default will be sought.
This allows the parties an opportunity to negotiate without litigating and also means the respondent doesn’t have to pay the $435 court filing since file an FL-120 Response will not be filed.
