Legal Question in Family Law in California

1. The respondent only has to show up if they don't want the court to order exactly what the petitioner is asking for. If they want it denied or ordered differently, they have to file papers ahead of the hearing and show up. 2. Very fast, days or a week or two at most.

I agree with Mr. McCormick, however I would refine his response to the first question to point out that your failure to show up alone does not guarantee that you will lose the ex parte application. You just won't be able to get your side across or make an argument to prevent the application from being granted.