回複：請教加州離婚應訴方30天內答複的問題

Technically, the respondent must file within 30 days. Family code uses language "shall", mearning there is not discretion. However, courts look for ways to generate income. Some counties require mandatory filing of a response. Considering the filing fee is $320, the clerk will allow you to file a response after 30 days. However, if the petitioner prepared a default order and the judge signed it, the respondent is forever barred from filing a response. Thirty days is a long time. I have no idea why somebody upon receiving a summons cannot respond within 30 days.