Legal Question in Family Law in California

Refuses to sign what? The respondent's signature is not required on anything in order to proceed with a divorce. If the respondent doesn't file an answer, the petitioner can file for a default judgment. If the respondent answers and then refuses to settle the case, the petitioner can request a status and trial setting conference, and the court will set the case for trial. If the respondent still refuses to sign a settlement, the court will hold a trial, and at the end will order a property division, child and/or spousal support if appropriate, child custody and visitation if there are minor children, and enter a judgment that the divorce is granted.