Requirements Surrounding Mechanic’s Liens: What You Should Know

February 06, 2023
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When it comes to construction projects, mechanic’s liens play a crucial role in ensuring that contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers are paid for their services and materials. However, understanding the requirements surrounding a mechanics lien can be a complex and confusing process. That’s why having an Illinois mechanics lien lawyer is essential to help you ensure that you are paid for your services and materials and that your rights are protected.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of mechanic’s liens and what you need to know to protect your rights and secure payment for your work.

Eligibility for Mechanic’s Lien

According to the Mechanic’s Lien Act Illinois, an individual or company must be providing services or materials to a construction project. This includes contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and even laborers. They must not have been paid in full for their work or materials provided to the project for the mechanic’s lien. 

Once confirmed eligible for a mechanics lien, one can proceed on how to file a mechanic’s lien in Illinois. 

Mechanic’s Lien Time Limits

There are strict deadlines that must be met in order to file a mechanic’s lien. These deadlines vary by state but generally include time limits for giving notice and for filing the lien itself.

In some states, such as Illinois, contractors and suppliers must provide written notice to the property owner and the party with whom they contracted within a certain time frame, usually within 90 days of the last date of furnishing

It’s important to note that missing these deadlines can result in the loss of the right to file a lien. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that notice is given in a timely manner and that the lien is properly filed.

Enforcing Mechanic’s Lien

Once a mechanic’s lien is filed, the next step is to take action to enforce it. This can include filing a lawsuit to foreclose on the property or negotiating with the property owner to reach a resolution and secure payment. 

It’s important to understand that there are strict deadlines for enforcing a mechanic’s lien as well. In Illinois, for example, a lien must be enforced within two years, or it will be considered waived, and the contractor or supplier could lose their right to payment.

Legal Assistance from an Illinois Mechanics Lien Attorney

Navigating the requirements and procedures surrounding mechanic’s liens can be complicated. An experienced mechanics lien attorney can assist you in understanding the laws and procedures specific to your state and can help ensure that notice is given in a timely manner, that the lien is properly filed, and that the necessary steps are taken to enforce the lien. Further, an attorney can also assist in negotiating with the property owner or other parties involved in order to reach a resolution and secure payment for services and materials provided.

It’s also important to note that your state may have specific requirements for perfecting a mechanic’s lien. This is to ensure that the lien is properly recorded and that all necessary steps have been taken to enforce it. This may include filing additional paperwork or taking specific legal actions. A mechanics lien attorney can assist you in understanding and meeting these requirements to ensure that your lien is valid and enforceable.

At Grzymala Law Offices, P.C., you’ll find Illinois mechanics lien attorneys who have the knowledge and experience to help contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other lien claimants navigate the requirements surrounding mechanic’s liens. If you haven’t been paid for your services or materials on a construction project, we can help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to enforce your lien.

If you’re a property owner and have received a notice of a mechanic’s lien on your property, we can also help you understand your rights and obligations and assist in resolving any disputes with the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or other lien claimants.

Don’t wait; contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced mechanic’s lien attorneys. We will ensure that you get the settlement in your best interest and that your rights are protected.