If you are a contractor or another party contributing to a construction project, and you do not receive the agreed-upon payment for your work, you should not wait to seek legal help. The right construction lawyer in Calabasas can help you take the necessary steps to seek payment, including filing a mechanic’s lien when needed.
What is a Mechanic’s Lien?
A mechanic’s lien is a legal device used for leverage against property owners to get the payment you deserve for construction work. This is a lien placed against their property that can remain until you are paid. Many parties are eligible to file mechanic’s liens, including:
- Design professionals
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment lessors
- Suppliers
- Laborers
Requirements for Filing a Lien
In order for a mechanic’s lien to be effective, you must meet all the requirements under California law. First, this involves providing notice to the property owner that you plan to file a lien if you do not receive payment. Generally, this notice should be provided as soon as possible after the work is completed, as the notice only covers work completed in the 20 days prior.
You then must record the lien after all work was completed (or after the project was terminated and work stopped). Then, the deadlines for filings vary:
- Contractors have 60 days if they provided a notice of completion within 10 days of completing the work
- Suppliers and subcontractors have 30 days to file after a notice of completion
- If there is no notice of completion, a lien must be filed within 90 days
Consult with a Construction Lawyer in Calabasas
The deadlines for lien filing can be confusing and easy to miss. Do not risk losing payment – seek help from a Calabasas construction attorney at the Law Offices of Alan J. Carnegie, APC. Call 877.261.4456 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.
