Legal Question in Family Law in California

Yes, any divorce takes 6 months minimum, so up until the Judge signs the order dissolving the marriage, the party who asked for divorce, the petitioner, can change his or her mind and dismiss the entire case.

Yes, but the respondent can also seek divorce, on his or her own.

You cannot unilaterally dismiss the divorce action if a response has been filed. You need the cooperation of the respondent in that case to dismiss the matter. If the respondent wishes to continue with the divorce, then the action continues.