I should add that “you will not be able to take a(n) automatic default judgment.” Whether or not the defendant shows up at the evidentiary hearing, the court will make a ruling on the “quiet title” action only. The plaintiff is not obligated to serve or notify the defendant of the evidentiary hearing … only to set the date with the court. Procedurally, the court will then send the defendant a Notice of Hearing. If the plaintiff has other causes of action pending in their complaint, they will NOT be adjudicated at the evidentiary hearing (Harbour Vista, LLC, v. HSBC Mortgage Services Inc. (2011) 201 Cal.App.4th 1496 at 1508-1509).
