Serving McHenry County, Illinois
McHenry County mechanics lien & bond claim counsel
McHenry County's mix of industrial, agricultural, and residential development — with a steady base of municipal infrastructure work — generates regular lien and bond claim activity.
Local Market
Construction in McHenry County
Manufacturing, light industrial, and continued residential growth in Crystal Lake, Algonquin, and Huntley drive construction in McHenry County. Recordings are filed with the McHenry County Recorder in Woodstock; enforcement actions go through the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
Cities & municipalities we serve in McHenry
Services in McHenry County
How we help McHenry contractors, suppliers & manufacturers
Project Risk Management
Comprehensive review of project documentation and procedural gaps to identify compliance and payment risks.
Learn moreCompliance & Preliminary Notices
Request preliminary notice filings on a single project, or set up an ongoing compliance program — preparation, certified mailing, and deadline tracking on commercial and public construction work.
Learn moreMechanics Lien & Bond Claim Enforcement
Single point of coordination for multistate enforcement, working with vetted local counsel where required.
Learn moreCollections
Alternative collection strategies for suppliers without lien or bond claim rights, or where notice deadlines have passed.
Learn moreLegal Counsel (On-Demand GC)
On-demand general counsel for construction and manufacturing companies operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Learn moreDocument Drafting & Review
Pre-drafted and customized contract forms, lien waivers, and credit applications. Flat-fee options available.
Learn moreMcHenry Pain Points
Common lien & bond claim issues we see in McHenry County
Issue 01
Owner-occupied residential notices
McHenry County's residential mix means Section 5 owner-occupied notice rules apply often — a frequent source of waived lien rights.
Issue 02
Municipal and school district bond claims
Public projects for McHenry County municipalities and school districts must be pursued under the Public Construction Bond Act, with strict notice formalities.
Issue 03
Last-delivery vs. punch-list day counting
Suppliers to long-running jobs in McHenry frequently misidentify the 'last delivery' date that starts the 4-month clock.
Issue 04
Cross-county GC coordination
Many McHenry projects use GCs based in Lake or Cook County — coordination of notices, waivers, and demands across counties is critical.
Statutory references are illustrative and not legal advice. Every project's facts and deadlines must be evaluated individually.
Illinois Deadlines
Key deadlines for McHenry lien & bond claims
90 days
Subcontractor notice (§ 24)
Subcontractors and suppliers without a direct owner contract must serve the owner within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials.
4 months
Record the lien claim
Record with the county recorder within 4 months of last work to bind subsequent purchasers and lenders — the practical deadline.
2 years
Suit to foreclose
Enforce a recorded lien by suit within 2 years of last work. A § 34 demand can shorten this to 30 days.
180 days
Public bond claim
On public projects, serve notice of claim on the contractor and public body within 180 days of last work (30 ILCS 550).
General information, not legal advice. Deadlines depend on your role, contract tier, and project facts — confirm yours before relying on them.
Common Questions
McHenry County mechanics lien FAQs
What is the mechanics lien filing deadline in McHenry County, Illinois?
McHenry County follows the statewide Illinois Mechanics Lien Act (770 ILCS 60). Record the lien with the McHenry County Recorder (Woodstock) within 4 months of the last day you furnished labor or materials to bind lenders and later buyers; the outer limit against the owner is 2 years. Subcontractors and suppliers must also serve the owner a 90-day notice under § 24.
Is the McHenry County deadline different for residential projects?
The 4-month recording window and 2-year enforcement period apply to residential and commercial work. On owner-occupied residential projects, subcontractors and suppliers face additional notice requirements, so confirm your deadline with your specific project facts.
Where do I record a mechanics lien in McHenry County?
Liens are recorded with the McHenry County Recorder (Woodstock). Foreclosure suits are filed in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court — McHenry County (Woodstock).
What if the McHenry project is a public job?
You cannot record a mechanics lien against public property in Illinois. Serve a bond claim notice on the contractor and the public body within 180 days of last work under the Public Construction Bond Act (30 ILCS 550).
Do you have a mechanics lien lawyer for Woodstock and McHenry County?
Yes. Fred Shestopal is an Illinois-licensed attorney based in Lake Forest who handles McHenry County lien recording, 90-day notices, bond claims and foreclosure. Call +1 855-5MY-LIEN or submit a claim online.
Local McHenry Contact
Speak with an Illinois-licensed attorney about your McHenry matter
Fred Shestopal is licensed in Illinois and based in Lake Forest. Initial consultations are complimentary. The form is pre-tagged for McHenry County so your inquiry routes directly to the right inbox.
Illinois counties we serve