California divorce event guide
More than 30 days may have passed. Start with the court record.
A missed response date, a request for default, entry of default and a final judgment are different events. Find out which one the court record supports before choosing a next step.
Short answer: California Courts says a divorce Response is usually due 30 days after service. If that time may have passed, check with the court immediately to learn whether default was entered. If no default was entered, the court may still allow a Response. If default was entered, prompt legal or self-help assistance is important.
- Confirm the service factsUse the actual papers and proof—not the Petition’s filing date.
- Check the court recordAsk whether a Request to Enter Default was filed and whether default was entered.
- Look for later court papersPreserve any FL-165, FL-180, FL-190 or hearing notice.
- Get help promptlyOptions and deadlines can change once default or judgment exists.
Which status are you actually in?
- 01No Response foundRecord check
The usual response period may have passed, but default status still needs verification.
- 02Default requestedPossible event
FL-165 asks the clerk to enter default; a request and entry are distinct.
- 03Default enteredCourt status
The respondent generally cannot file FL-120 unless the court permits it.
- 04Judgment signed and filedLater event
A judge has approved final orders; read the judgment and attachments.
- 05Notice of Entry receivedSeparate source
FL-190 identifies the judgment and, for divorce, the marital-status termination date.
What if default has not been entered?
California Courts says that if more than 30 days have passed but the other party has not obtained a default, you may still be able to file a Response. Confirm that status with the court and act promptly. A draft FL-120 or an online submission does not establish that the Response was accepted.
What if default was entered?
California Courts says that once default is entered, the respondent cannot file a Response unless the court gives permission. A default does not itself finish the divorce; additional final papers must be submitted and a judge must sign and file the Judgment.
Does default always mean the parties disagree?
No. California Courts describes a “default with agreement” path in which the respondent does not file a Response and both parties provide a written agreement for the court to review. That is different from an unresolved default based only on the petitioner’s papers.
Go directly to your county’s self-help resources.
Choose the county printed on the case papers and open the official court and self-help pages.
What do the papers not prove by themselves?
- More than 30 calendar days on your own count does not prove default was entered.
- An FL-165 copy does not by itself prove the clerk entered default.
- Entry of default does not prove the divorce is final.
- A proposed FL-180 does not prove the judge signed and filed the Judgment.
- A Notice of Entry should be read with the Judgment and every attachment.
Official sources
- California Courts: Learn your response options
- California Courts: Fill out and file forms to respond
- California Courts: Default in a divorce or legal separation
- California Courts: Finish a divorce in default
- California Courts: Set aside a family-law order or judgment
This page provides general legal information, not legal advice or a deadline calculation. Default and set-aside questions are time-sensitive and fact-specific. Contact the court’s self-help center or a lawyer promptly.