Mechanic's Lien

A Mechanic's Lien is a useful tool for recovering money owed to a contractor or other person who does work on someone else's property, but there are very specific timelines and pieces that must fall into place.

1.  If you intend to file a lien, you must do it within 90 days of the last day of work at the property.  If you fail to do this then you cannot proceed with the Mechanic's Lien.

2.  If you do not receive payment after filing the lien, then within 120 days of the last day of work at the property, you must file a complaint in the Court and pursue payment.  This could take years if it is fought by both parties.

We charge a flat-fee of $500 to prepare and file a Mechanic's Lien.  This cost includes the recording fee.  This amount is not recoverable from the debtor.

If you are paid before filing the complaint, then we must remove the lien and there is an additional $350 for this, which also includes recording.  This amount is not recoverable from the debtor.

If you do not receive payment and we move into the complaint to recover the money, then you will be able to recover attorney's fees as well as the amount owed.  The cost will vary depending on how long it takes and how much the debtor fights.  You could expect to put up about $5,000 in retainer and you are able to recover this amount in judgment, but if we negotiate a settlement, you may not recover the total, it depends on what we agree to.