Last Paycheck Lawyer in Glendale & Los Angeles
If your final wages were late, incomplete, or missing vacation pay after you quit or were discharged, California’s final-pay rules may apply. Every situation is different. MAGISA LAW represents employees in Glendale and Los Angeles County who want to understand their options.
Call 888-818-1099 for a free consultation to talk through your situation with an attorney · Contact form · Office at 2550 Honolulu Ave, Suite 105, Glendale, CA 91020
- Free consultation
- Fee and cost terms are discussed in consultation
- Glendale office serving Los Angeles County employees
When final wages are due
According to DIR’s Paydays, pay periods, and the final wages FAQ:
- An employee who is discharged must be paid all wages, including accrued vacation, immediately at termination (Labor Code sections 201 and 227.3).
- An employee who quits after giving at least 72 hours’ prior notice and quits on the noticed day must be paid all wages, including accrued vacation, at the time of quitting (Labor Code section 202).
- An employee who quits without that notice generally must be paid within 72 hours (Labor Code section 202)—confirm the exact rule for your facts with counsel or DIR’s FAQ.
Seasonal layoff rules and other special situations appear in DIR’s materials. Whether a particular separation fits a special rule depends on the facts.
Waiting time penalties (high level)
DIR’s waiting-time penalty FAQ explains that when an employer willfully fails to pay wages due a terminated employee (quit, discharge, or layoff) under Labor Code sections 201, 202, and 203, a waiting-time penalty may apply. The penalty is generally described as the employee’s daily wage rate for each day wages remain unpaid, up to a maximum of 30 calendar days. Whether a failure was “willful,” which wages count, and how many days apply are fact-specific. This page does not calculate your penalty.
What “wages” can include at separation
DIR materials discuss wages broadly and specifically call out accrued vacation that must be paid at the final rate. Earned commissions and other wage components may also be due depending on when they were earned under your plan—see commission wages and vacation pay.
What to gather before you call
- Termination or resignation notice and last day worked
- Final paycheck, stub, and direct-deposit records
- PTO/vacation balance statements
- Commission statements or deal trackers
- Offer letter and handbook final-pay policies
MAGISA LAW reviews every case.
How wage claims are often raised
Many wage claims may be filed with the Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE) or pursued in court. Filing windows and procedures vary by claim type. DIR publishes guidance on how to file a wage claim. Strict deadlines apply. Call promptly so timing can be assessed for your facts. Related pages: unpaid wages, wage and overtime, PAGA.
Related MAGISA LAW pages
Free consultation with MAGISA LAW
MAGISA LAW invites Glendale and Los Angeles County employees to contact the firm for a free consultation to talk through your situation with an attorney. Call 888-818-1099, email hello@magisalaw.com, or use the contact page.
Consultations are available in English, Spanish, Armenian, and Russian with an attorney.
Fee and cost terms are discussed during the free consultation.
Office: 2550 Honolulu Ave, Suite 105, Glendale, CA 91020.
Frequently asked questions
When must I get my last paycheck if I was fired?
DIR states a discharged employee must be paid all wages, including accrued vacation, immediately at termination.
What if I quit without notice?
DIR’s FAQ describes a general 72-hour rule for employees who quit without sufficient prior notice, with a same-day payment rule when proper 72-hour notice is given and followed. Confirm your timing with counsel.
What is a waiting time penalty?
DIR explains a possible daily-wage penalty for up to 30 calendar days when an employer willfully fails to pay final wages on time. Whether it applies depends on the facts.
Does vacation count?
Yes. DIR states accrued vacation must be included in final wages and paid at the final rate under Labor Code section 227.3 principles discussed in DIR’s vacation FAQ.
Should I still call if the check was only a few days late?
Yes. Timing and willfulness questions are fact-specific. Bring your documents.