CA Fam Code Section 4303

(a)

The obligee spouse, or the county on behalf of the obligee spouse, may bring an action against the obligor spouse to enforce the duty of support.

(b)

If the county furnishes support to a spouse, the county has the same right as the spouse to whom the support was furnished to secure reimbursement and obtain continuing support. The right of the county to reimbursement is subject to any limitation otherwise imposed by the law of this state.

(c)

The court may order the obligor to pay the county reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs in a proceeding brought by the county under this section.