CA Prob Code Section 13604

(a)

If the employer refuses to pay as required by this chapter, the surviving spouse may recover the amount the surviving spouse is entitled to receive under this chapter in an action brought for that purpose against the employer.

(b)

If an action is brought against the employer under this section, the court shall award reasonable attorney’s fees to the surviving spouse if the court finds that the employer acted unreasonably in refusing to pay as required by this chapter.