Collecting a Wage Judgment: Liens, Levies, and the Tools Workers Actually Use

An award is paper until it is collected. California gives wage claimants strong collection tools — and a Labor Commissioner judgment unlocks all of them.

What California Law Says

A final ODA is entered as a superior court judgment enforceable for 10 years and renewable. Tools include bank levies, till taps and keeper levies for cash businesses, liens on real property, and debtor examinations under oath.

How to Fight Back, Step by Step

1. Record an abstract of judgment in counties where the employer or its owners hold real property.
2. Locate bank accounts — your old paychecks show the employer’s bank — and levy through the sheriff.
3. For cash businesses, request a till tap or keeper levy through the sheriff’s civil division.
4. Set a debtor examination to force disclosure of assets under oath.
5. Check whether the business holds bonds or licenses your judgment can reach.

Common Questions

The company dissolved and reopened under a new name. Game over?

Often not — successor liability under Labor Code section 200.3 reaches continuation businesses, making them expressly liable for wage judgments.

Can I collect from the owner personally?

Section 558.1 exposes owners, directors, and managing agents who caused the violations to personal liability — name them early in the claim.