Will a tentative decision be made in a family law case if there is no response filed?

Question

I have an upcoming order to show cause hearing in California and the other party has not filed a responsive declaration. Will a tentative decision be made without an opposing argument?

Answer 1

The court's time is precious and they require people to meet their deadlines or suffer.  If the other party has not filed a responsive declaration, they can sometimes convince a judge that there is a valid reason and get the time extended, but if they just don't respond, the court is going to come up with an answer without their input.