California Code, Government Code - GOV § 7173

(a) If the taxpayer is a party to an action or special proceeding in which the taxpayer may become entitled to property or a money judgment, a state tax lien extends to the taxpayer's cause of action and any judgment in favor of the taxpayer subsequently procured in the action or proceeding. Notice of the lien shall be given to all parties who, prior thereto, have made an appearance in the action or proceeding. The lien has priority from the time of filing of the notice in the action or proceeding.

(b) No compromise, dismissal, settlement, or satisfaction shall be entered into by or on behalf of the taxpayer with any other party, lienor, or intervenor in the action or proceeding without the consent of the agency unless the lien is sooner released or otherwise discharged; but, until a person receives notice of the lien under subdivision (a) or has actual notice of the lien, the rights of the person are not affected by this subdivision.

(c) The court clerk shall endorse upon the judgment recovered in the action or proceeding a statement of the existence of the lien and the time of the filing of the notice in the action or proceeding. Any abstract issued on the judgment shall include a statement of the lien in favor of the agency.