Legal Question in Family Law in California

That's not exactly service. What is sounds like to me is that someone called and gave ex parte notice, meaning that they were required to give notice the court day before showing up in court and asking for something on an emergency basis. Ex parte hearings tend to be abused, and I call them "hit and runs." Your opponent will still be required to give you the papers. I suggest you show up and the hearing and ask the court to put it on a noticed hearing schedule, and afford you time to oppose.