As a subcontractor or general contractor, there’s more to your job than being good at what you do every day. Like it or not, there’s always paperwork, and some of the most tedious paperwork is involved in filing mechanic’s liens. These documents are crucial to ensuring you’re paid in certain circumstances, and you must make sure they’re filed correctly the first time around. If not, you may not be able to collect your payment on time. In extreme circumstances, incorrectly filed mechanic’s liens can also lead to lengthy lawsuits. This will not only keep you from collecting your money but also force you to spend time and possibly more money in the process. At Kallemeyn and Kallemeyn, we can help if you’re looking for help with mechanic’s liens claim filing in MN.
Why Use a Mechanic’s Lien Attorney?
Some things in life are simple. There are simple steps to follow, and you can see results quickly. Unfortunately, mechanic’s liens aren’t always that easy. If you’ve never filed a mechanic’s lien, you’ll be challenged to understand the process alone. And if you aren’t sure whether you’re entitled to a lien, you’ll face even greater obstacles. A mechanic’s lien should always be a part of your contract with the other parties involved in a building project. If it’s not, you may have a difficult time both filing and getting a lien approved. To help make sure you don’t run into any pitfalls, a mechanic’s lien attorney can walk you through the legal aspects of a lien and what you can expect throughout the entire process.
Mechanic’s Lien Requirements
Mechanic’s liens are not available to every subcontractor or general contractor in every situation. In fact, there are several requirements that must be met in order for a mechanic’s lien to be claimed. In order to file a lien claim, you must:
• Provide notice in your contract with other parties on the project that a lien may be claimed
• Provide a prelien notice that identifies contractors and subcontractors and their work on a project
• Provide a timely, accurate lien statement when a lien is claimed
All of this must be done within a set period of 120 days after the last of your work is completed. If you do not follow these steps and do not file your claim correctly within this time, your claim cannot be approved. In order to make sure your claim is approved and you get paid, work with an attorney who will keep track of your legal requirements.
Understanding How Mechanic’s Liens Work
Often times, the most challenging part of filing a mechanic’s lien claim correctly is understanding the terms of your building contract. If you have written the right to file a lien claim into your contract, you should also be aware of any other requirements. If a prelien is required and not given, you may lose the right to file your lien claim. To talk to a professional who can help with mechanic’s lien claim filing in Minnesota, contact Kallemeyn and Kallemeyn at 763-427-5131 or lisa@kallemeyn.com.
