what lawyer places leins on property

by Jovany Strosin Sr. 6 min read

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

For instance, a contractor who worked on the debtor's property can legally place a lien on the property if he doesn't receive payment. This is called a mechanics' liens. The creditor, like a credit card company or individual, can sue and obtain a judgment against the property owner. The lien against the property must be paid before the property ...

How is a lien placed on a property?

Legal Help with Property Liens For assistance with filing and releasing liens, it is always best to contact an attorney who is experienced in real estate law and/or creditor-debtor laws.

What are the types of liens in real estate?

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 remove a lien on a property?

Sometimes called “construction liens,” “laborer liens,” or “artisan’s liens,” they are filed by contractors, subcontractors, or construction firms. Basically, anyone who works on a property or improves it would use this type of lien, including roofers, carpenters, plumbers, and more.

What is the most common lien on personal property?

A title lien is probably the most common type of lien on personal property, used when someone borrows money to purchase a car. The lender has a lien on the title, and can repossess and sell the vehicle to recover the money owed.Jun 26, 2020

How do you put a lien on a house 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 does a lien stay on your property in BC?

Generally, you have one year from the date of filing your lien to both commence a civil action, and file a certification of pending litigation (CPL), or the lien is extinguished.Apr 24, 2019

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

Releasing A Property Lien

The most obvious way to release a lien is for the debtor to pay the debt in full. Once the judgment, debt, or other financial obligation is paid by...

Mechanics Lien Laws by State

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareD.C.FloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdaho IllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMaryl...

Legal Help With Property Liens

For assistance with filing and releasing liens, it is always best to contact an attorney who is experienced in real estate law and/or creditor-debt...

What is a lien on a home?

A homeowner also may have an involuntary lien placed on his or her property for work that was done on the property, which is usually referred to as a construction or mechanic's lien. Any judgments for unpaid debts awarded by a court can attach as liens to a debtor's property, as can unpaid sums of child support.

What is a lien on real estate?

Liens on real estate are claims against property that are made in order to secure payment of a debt. If a person who owes a debt, often called a debtor, owes money to another person or entity, commonly called a creditor, then the creditor may place a lien on the debtor's property for the value of the debt owed. As a result of the lien, the real estate is used as collateral against the debt. As collateral, the real estate becomes an asset that is a potential source of payment of the debt, if the debtor otherwise fails to satisfy the debt by paying it in full.

What is the process of filing a lien on a property?

Filing a Property Lien. The process that creditors must follow in order to place liens on property differs according to state law. In most jurisdictions, there are specific notice requirements that a creditor must follow in order to notify the debtor that the lien may be placed on his or her real estate.

How to release a lien on a property?

The most obvious way to release a lien is for the debtor to pay the debt in full. Once the judgment, debt, or other financial obligation is paid by the debtor, the creditor must release the lien on the debtor's real estate.

What is a mechanic lien?

A mechanic lien is a claim against property for the value of services provided to a property owner with respect to that property. The most common instances that give rise to mechanic liens tend to involve home improvement services provided by a contractor or subcontractor. If the property owner contracts for certain services with a contractor, the work is then performed by the contractor, and the property owner refuses or otherwise fails to pay for those services as agreed, the contractor may file a lien against the property, which may be referred to as a mechanic lien, a construction lien, or a contractor's lien. By placing a lien against the property, the contractor is attempting to secure payment of the unpaid services by using the property itself.

How long does it take for a judgment to be released?

Furthermore, the mere passage of time will release a lien in most jurisdictions; for instance, in some states, a judgment may become void after twenty-five (25) years, which results in release of the judgment lien by operation of law.

Can a lien be placed on real estate?

There are many different types of situations that can result in the placement of a lien on real estate. In some cases, property owners place voluntary liens on their property, such as mortgage liens. By pledging their real estate as collateral for the mortgage loan, homeowners are able to secure the funds that they need for home improvement, debt consolidation, or other purposes.

Where to file a lien on a 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.

What is the good part of a lien?

However, the good part of a lien is that it can prevent property owners from selling their buildings or homes until the money is paid. However, placing a lien against property can take a large amount of leg work and time in court. For instance, people must obtain a judgment from their local courthouse first. This means suing the property owner who ...

Do you have to give consent to a text message from Martindale-Nolo?

You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply.

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.

Who is responsible for a tax lien on a property?

Thus, the real estate owner is responsible for any tax liens on the real estate, even if those debts were incurred by a previous owner of the real estate. Plus, in some jurisdictions, the real estate owner may also be personally liable for the delinquent taxes that gave rise to the tax lien.

What is a lien on a property?

A tax lien is a claim against property in order to secure the payment of taxes. Local, state, and federal governments may all obtain tax liens as a result of a property owner's unpaid taxes. Tax debts are different than other types of personal debt, in that they are attached to the real estate, no matter who owns the real estate. Thus, the real estate owner is responsible for any tax liens on the real estate, even if those debts were incurred by a previous owner of the real estate. Plus, in some jurisdictions, the real estate owner may also be personally liable for the delinquent taxes that gave rise to the tax lien.

How long do you have to pay taxes before a tax lien takes effect?

On the federal level, however, failure to pay taxes as demanded within a ten day period results in an automatic, retroactive federal tax lien by operation of law. Therefore, federal government officials need take no further ...

How to release a tax lien?

In order to release a tax lien, a property owner must obtain a legal document signed by the lienholder, which indicates that the lien has been released. This release of lien must also be filed in the real estate records of the jurisdiction in which the real estate is located. Likewise, federal tax liens are released by the execution ...

What are the types of taxes that can be liens?

The types of unpaid taxes that may result in a tax lien include real or personal property taxes, income taxes, gift taxes, estate taxes, and virtually all other types of taxes, as well. Tax liens can be assessed by all different levels of government. For instance, failure to pay local property taxes might result in a lien being assessed by the appropriate local government body. On the other hand, a property owner's failure to pay federal income or estate taxes might result in a federal tax lien being assessed by the federal government.

What is a tax lien?

A tax lien is a claim against property in order to secure the payment of taxes. Local, state, and federal governments may all obtain tax liens as a result of a property owner's unpaid taxes. Tax debts are different than other types of personal debt, in that they are attached to the real estate, no matter who owns the real estate.

What happens if you don't pay property taxes?

For instance, failure to pay local property taxes might result in a lien being assessed by the appropriate local government body. On the other hand, a property owner's failure to pay federal income or estate taxes might result in a federal tax lien being assessed by the federal government.

What to do if you have a lien on your property?

If a lien has been placed on your real estate due to a disputed debt, you should immediately contact an attorney for assistance in disputing and/or releasing the debt from your real estate. It is only by dealing with the underlying debt that you will be able to have the lien released, and any disputed debt may involve complex litigation that necessitate an attorney's assistance.

What happens if you pay a lien on your property?

First, if you satisfy the lien by paying the underlying debt in full, the creditor must execute a lien release that removed the lien from your property. Second, if a certain length of time passes, the lien will expire, and be automatically discharged or released.

How to get a lien released?

First, if you satisfy the lien by paying the underlying debt in full, the creditor must execute a lien release that removed the lien from your property. Second, if a certain length of time passes, the lien will expire, and be automatically discharged or released. The exact length of time required for a lien to expire varies depending on the type of lien and the law of the state that applies to the lien.

Can you dispute a mechanic's lien?

Therefore, it is only by disputing the claim that gave rise to the potential lien that you can dispute the lien.

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 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.

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 ...

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 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 ...

What is a lien on a property?

In simple terms, a property lien is something a creditor can attach to a property title that says you owe them money. Until you pay that debt, your title won’t be considered clear, which means you can’t refinance or sell your property. There are two types of liens:

What is a judgment lien?

Judgment Liens. The creditor can use a judgment lien on your property to ensure they receive the money they won in a suit against you. After a creditor wins a lawsuit against a debtor, the court can grant it a certificate of judgment that can be given to a land records office in the county where the property is located.

What is voluntary lien?

Voluntary liens are contracts between a creditor and a debtor, such as a mortgage. Involuntary liens are imposed by law when, for example, a debtor falls behind in tax payments. Involuntary liens can happen without notice depending on the situation. Most commonly, a creditor will place a lien against your property after it sues you and wins ...

What happens if a creditor forecloses on a property?

So, if a creditor forecloses, they have to continue making payments on the property or lose it altogether. Instead, a creditor may choose to collect what’s owed to them when you sell the property.

What to do if a creditor is seeking judgment against you?

Should you receive notice that a creditor is seeking judgment against you, don’t brush it off. Respond in writing and show up to any court dates with an attorney and documentation of your financial situation. If the ruling is not in your favor, keep your ear to the ground in case the creditor decides to create a lien.

Can a buyer buy a property without a clear title?

Instead, a creditor may choose to collect what’s owed to them when you sell the property. Buyers won’t usually buy a property without a clear title, so you would need to pay off your lien before being able to sell.

Can you put a lien on your home?

While it’s unlikely that just anyone can put a lien on your home or land, it’s not unheard of for a court decision or a settlement to result in a lien being placed against a property. To avoid that situation, let’s take a look at what kinds of events can lead to a lien and how you can fight them.

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,