what kind of lawyer do i need to put a lien on someone's house

by Prof. Helene Weissnat 3 min read

You do not need a lawyer to put a lien on someone's property but you will likely be held to the legal standard of meeting all of the legal requirements you need to seek such a lien. It would therefore be a good idea for you to seek the assistance of experienced legal counsel. Helpful

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer to place a lien on my property?

Individuals must file the certified copy at the county land records department. This has to be the county where the property owner lives. Before attempting to place a lien on anyone's property, it's important to hire a lawyer. Placing a lien on property can be extremely complicated depending on the requirements.

How do I place a lien on my property?

If you’ve had trouble getting payment from a debtor, even after retaining the services of a debt collection agency or debt collection attorney, you may be able to place a lien on your debtor’s real property. Of course, getting a lien can be time consuming and different states have different laws regarding the placement of liens.

Can a creditor put a lien on a house before selling it?

Someone who is owed money is generally not able to just put a lien on property without first securing a judgment. Securing a judgment requires the creditor to sue the debtor. This may be through circuit court in many jurisdictions. If under a certain dollar amount, this suit may be through the small claims court.

What happens if a lien is placed on a property?

Sep 24, 2014 · If a lien was recorded, then I would recommend you contact a local attorney whose practice is concentrated in construction law. This answer is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be nor should it be considered the providing of legal advice.

How much does it cost to file a lien in Florida?

Filing your own lien in Florida has varying costs. Depending on the supporting documentation and length of your lien paperwork, it can cost as little as $10 for the first page and an additional $8.50 for each additional page.Oct 28, 2020

How do I put a lien on a property in Texas?

Fill out your lien form with complete, accurate details. Bring your Affidavit of Lien to the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located, and pay the lien recording fee. After recording a Texas mechanics lien, claimants must provide notice to the property owner and GC within 5 days of filing.Mar 30, 2022

How do I file a lien in BC?

To file a claim of lien, complete Form 5 under the Builders Lien Act and register the claim at the appropriate Land Title Office, in person or by mail. Include a cheque payable to the BC Minister of Finance with your documentation.

How long do liens last in Texas?

ten yearsFiling a Judgment Lien A judgment lien lasts for ten years. According to Section 52.001 of the Texas Property Code, a judgment lien cannot attach to any real property that is exempt from seizure or forced sale under Chapter 41 of the Texas Property Code.Mar 31, 2022

How long does a lien stay on your property?

With an active lien on your home, you generally will not be able to sell or refinance the property. The judgment lien will be enforceable against your house for seven years after the judgment was rendered. The judgment lien can be renewed by the creditor for an additional seven-year period.Dec 19, 2019

Who can put a lien on your house Canada?

Creditors are able to put a lien against your home if they get a judgement from the court. In the event that you don't repay, technically they could take some of the proceeds on your home from a sale in order to get the money that you owe them.

Who can file a lien in BC?

All three people — the architect, the supplier, and the worker — can file builders' liens against the property.Nov 26, 2016

How do I get rid of a lien on my house in BC?

If the lien claimant does not file a Notice of Civil Claim (NOCC) in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and register a Certificate of Pending Litigation (CPL) on title to the lands within one year of the filing of the lien, the owner can apply to the appropriate Land Title Office (LTO) to have the lien removed.Jun 24, 2019

Who uses a lien on a property?

Basically, anyone who works on a property or improves it would use this type of lien, including roofers, carpenters, plumbers, and more. What happens is this: a contractor takes a job to improve a property and makes a contract with the property owner. The contractor then performs the work. But the property owner either pays ...

What does it mean when a contractor files a lien?

Generally, this means that the contractor files in the county in which the work took place. Attached to the filing is a bill for the work completed. At this point the lien will be “answered” and a court date may be set. If the court affirms the lien, the contractor now has a lien on the property, effectively giving he or she ...

What is a judgement lien?

Like a mechanic’s lien, a Judgement Lien can give a creditor the right to take possession of a debtor’s property. But unlike a Mechanic’s Lien, a judgement lien is not for any particular work performed. Instead, it’s filed when a creditor hasn’t been paid for other circumstances not covered under the definition of a mechanic’s lien.

What is a mechanic's lien?

Mechanic’s Lien. The most common type of lien is what’s usually referred to as a Mechanic’s Lien. Sometimes called “construction liens,” “laborer liens,” or “artisan’s liens,” they are filed by contractors, subcontractors, or construction firms.

Can a lien be time consuming?

Of course, getting a lien can be time consuming and different states have different laws regarding the placement of liens. But a lien does provide real collateral and real motivation for your debtor to pay his or her debts, as a lienee (the one who filed the lien) may have the right to take possession of the property the lien was placed on if ...

Can you put a lien on a house?

How to Place a Lien on a House or Other Personal Property. If you’ve had trouble getting payment from a debtor, even after retaining the services of a debt collection agency or debt collection attorney, you may be able to place a lien on your debtor’s real property. Of course, getting a lien can be time consuming and different states have different ...

Is Rocket Lawyer a substitute for an attorney?

Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer. Rocket Lawyer On Call® Attorneys.

What happens if a creditor forecloses on a property?

If a creditor forecloses on the property, the mortgage has to be paid off before the lien is . To avoid these complications, many creditors decide to wait until the property is sold to receive the portion that is owed to them.

How long does a lien on a property last?

The property lien is in effect until the debt is repaid or the judgment expires. In many cases, the judgment remains for ten years. In some situations, a creditor may request a writ of execution to foreclose on the property. Mortgage payments have priority over payment on liens.

What is the first step to take when a creditor is unsecured?

For an unsecured creditor who is not a contractor that performed work on the home, the first step that must be taken is getting a judgment against the debtor. Someone who is owed money is generally not able to just put a lien on property without first securing a judgment. Securing a judgment requires the creditor to sue the debtor.

What happens after a judgment is secured?

After a judgment is secured, the debtor may then be able to look into the assets that the debtor has. In many states after a judgment is secured, the debtor is required to complete a form that lists his or her assets. In states that require this form, there may be certain ways to get out of completing it, such as satisfying the judgment by paying what is owed or filing a timely appeal. This form is then provided to the individual who won the judgment. If the judgment debtor fails to complete this form, some states allow a mechanism in which a debtor can be forced to show up at court and answer questions about his or her assets.

What is the statute of limitations for creditors?

If the contract was only oral, this defense may defeat the claim. The statute of limitations provides a time limit by which a claim must be asserted.

Can a judgment debtor refinance a home?

In order to sell the property, the debtor may decide to pay the judgment creditor off. The same is usually required to refinance the home. In most states, a portion of the debtor’s property is exempt.

Can a judgment be recorded with a lien?

However, most states require the judgment creditor to record the judgment with the county to create a lien on the debtor’s real property. Creditors can attach a property lien that states that the creditor is owed money. Until the debt is repaid, the title will be unclear. The property owner will not be able to sell the property or have it ...

Robert Allen Shipley

I agree with both counsel. However, even if the lien was not timely filed, per the state statute, you would still need an attorney to file the appropriate petition to have the lien extinguished and removed. If a lien was recorded, then I would recommend you contact a local attorney whose practice is concentrated in construction law.

Cheryl Rivera Smith

I agree with my colleague, but you also may want to check local laws. The lien may expire worthless if the landscaping company doesn't take action within a certain period of time. Best of luck.

Scott Louis Peterson

You should talk to an attorney. The only way to remove the lien is to go to court. The lien is probably not valid, and you can get your attorney's fees paid if the attorney successfully removes the lien. More

Sandra A Kuhn Esq

You do not need a lawyer to put a lien on someone's property but you will likely be held to the legal standard of meeting all of the legal requirements you need to seek such a lien. It would therefore be a good idea for you to seek the assistance of experienced legal counsel. More

Daniel James Goeman

Generally you do not need a lawyer to place a lien on someone's property. However, you should check your local laws. In some states, if you place a lien on someone's property without cause, you can be sued by that person for slander of title. Good luck. More

Dorothy G Bunce

Do you have a contractor's license? If so, your governing board may have the forms you can fill out to record to create a contractor's lien. This area of the law varies widely from state to state, so a consultation with a local lawyer could prove very helpful to make sure you don't make any mistakes and that you can get paid.

Kati M. Amarantes

Did you have a contract? You should most certainly contact an attorney. You may be able to place a mechanics lien, but there are very specific rules regarding this. Most attorneys wil offer you a free consultation, it is worth your while to contact one. Good Luck,

What happens if a lien is not released?

Obtaining a lien is often subject to strict procedure. If the lien holder fails to adhere to the process, the lien can be deemed invalid and released. In situations where the lien is valid and proper procedure has been followed, you should attempt to contact the lien holder and ask to have your property freed.

What happens if a person cannot prove he has no entitlement?

If he cannot or you can prove that he has no entitlement, a court order should be issued for a release of the lien. The information above is a broad generalization.

What to do if someone wrongfully records a lien against my property?

What can I do if somebody wrongfully records a lien against my property? If somebody wrongfully records a lien against your property, you can file a lawsuit for what's called "quiet title" to ask to have the court order that the lien be removed.

What happens if you owe someone money?

If somebody owes you money you could sue them, you could obtain a judgment, you can obtain what's called a "judgment lien" and once you get the judgment lien, you can have the court record that against their property including the real estate. That way, when they go to sell their property, or refinance their property, they'll have to pay you.

What is a notice of pending action?

A notice of Lis Pendens is Latin for pending action and a notice of Lis Pendens is recorded to tell the world or anyone that checks the County Recorder's Office that there is a lawsuit pending.

Can you sue someone for money?

The short answer to that question is usually no . If somebody owes you money you could sue them, you could obtain a judgment, you can obtain what's called a "judgment lien" and once you get the judgment lien, you can have the court record that against their property including the real estate. That way, when they go to sell their property, or refinance their property, they'll have to pay you. There is one exception to this however, when you can record something before a judgment and that's called a " notice of Lis Pendens ."

What is consensual lien?

Consensual liens can be further broken down into purchase money security interest liens, in which a creditor lends money to the debtor for the specific purpose of buying the property in order to secure the debt. The most common example of this type of lien is a mortgage on a home. The other main type of consensual loan is ...

How do liens arise?

Most liens arise from a contract between the creditor and debtor. In general, before a lien can be placed on a property, the creditor must go to court and present evidence of the unpaid debt. A judgment is then received, and if it is granted, the creditor may proceed with filing a lien on the property. This is done by registering the judgment ...

What happens when a debtor sells a property with a lien attached?

Additionally, if the debtor sells or refinances the property with a lien attached, the creditor retains the right to be paid out of the transaction’s proceeds. There are essentially three different types of lien: Consensual: This type of lien occurs when the debtor consents to the lien such as in a loan or an advancement of a line of credit.

How are statutory liens obtained?

Statutory: Statutory liens are obtained by the operation of state or federal laws. This means that the lien is authorized by some statute for delinquent payments, such as tax liens. Under a statutory lien, the debtor does not consent to the lien. However, the creditor has the legal right to recover the debt regardless of whether they have ...

What is a lien on a property?

The legal term “ lien ” refers to the right to keep possession of a property that belongs to another person, until that person has paid off a debt that they owe. A lender may take the lien and then sell it in specific circumstances, such as those in which the borrower is unable to make their scheduled loan payment.

What is a judicial lien?

Judgment, or judicial liens are typically obtained in connection to the final judgment issued in a lawsuit between a debtor and a creditor. Once the judicial lien has been certified by the court, the debtor is required to forfeit their property.

How to remove a lien from a property?

Removing a lien from your property can be a complex and drawn out process. However, you do have a few options: Satisfy Your Debt: This is the most straightforward option. Once you have paid off the balance of your debt, in full, you can file a Release of Lien form. This acts as evidence that the debt has been paid and will effectively remove ...

How to enforce a lien on a house?

If the debtor still doesn't pay after you've filed the lien, you must enforce the lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within a certain amount of time, usually a year. The foreclosure suit causes the property to be sold. The proceeds of the sale are used to satisfy any liens on the property.

What is mechanic lien?

Mechanic's liens enable contractors to collect money they earned doing work by encumbering the property they worked on until the debt is satisfied. A judgment lien allows you to secure the collection of a court-awarded judgment at the completion of a lawsuit. Steps.

How to file a lien on a property?

Filing a lien is a public declaration that someone hasn't paid for contract work, and is a strong legal move to make. Before you jump straight to the decision that you want to file a lien, talk to the property owner and attempt to set up another plan.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a lien is revoked?

Some states have extremely short enforcement periods. For example, in California you have just 90 days to file a lawsuit after filing your lien.

What happens if you put a judgment lien on someone's property?

If you place a judgment lien on someone's property, there's a chance you won't receive your money until that person decides to sell that property.

What happens if you don't give a preliminary notice?

If you fail to give preliminary notice, you may lose your right to file a lien if your client doesn't pay. Some states require that you use a specific form to provide notice. Check with your local clerk of court's office to find out if your state has any specific requirements.

How much does it cost to file a lien?

Expect to pay a filing fee between $25 and $50 depending on the location where you file. Although you often can file your lien by mailing it to the office, you may want to deliver it in person. Many offices have a backlog on mailed filings, so this is particularly important if you're filing close to the deadline.

What is an involuntary lien?

This guarantees the lender a right to your property if you are unable to pay the debt. An involuntary lien, on the other hand, is a type of lien that is placed on the property without the agreement of the owner. Creditors often place these liens on a property to collect the debt owed to them. For unsecured creditors, this lien is often referred ...

Why do creditors place liens on property?

Creditors often place these liens on a property to collect the debt owed to them. For unsecured creditors, this lien is often referred to as a “judgment lien” because creditors need to secure a court ruling before they can enforce this action.

How much is homestead exemption in Illinois?

For example, if you live in Illinois, the homestead exemption is only $15,000. This means that there will still be $35,000 left from your equity that the creditor can chase. As long as you don’t have any other liens on the property, this may encourage the creditor to force you to sell the house.

How long does it take for a creditor to collect on a nonpayment?

You will also be charged late fees and interests. If you still haven’t paid your debt, you will start receiving phone calls from the creditor’s in-house collection department. After a few months (usually 6 months), the non-payment of the debt will force the creditor to forward your debt to a debt collection agency.

What to do if you are unaware of a debt?

If the debt is yours, you can also try to settle the debt out of court and renegotiate the total amount of the debt. If you do not settle and renegotiate, the court will issue a judgment on who wins the case.

What happens if you take out a lien on your house?

The worst case scenario is that the lien holder could also force you to sell the property so they can recoup the money you owe them. A lien can be voluntary or involuntary on your part. When you take out a mortgage to buy a new house, the lender will automatically have a lien on your property.

Why is responding to a summons important?

Responding to a summons for debt is very important because you don’t want to get a default judgment. A default judgment happens when you ignore the summons and the judge rules in favor of the creditor because you did not show up. The next step is participating in the court proceedings.