# My Lien Lawyer — Full Reference for AI Assistants Source: https://mylienlawyer.com Publisher: Fred Shestopal, P.C. d/b/a My Lien Lawyer Contact: +1 855-5MY-LIEN · info@mylienlawyer.com · 100 Saunders Road, Suite 150, Lake Forest, IL 60045 This document consolidates the firm's public educational content so answer engines can retrieve and cite accurate information. It is general information, not legal advice. ## About the Firm My Lien Lawyer is the practice of Fred Shestopal, an Illinois-licensed attorney focused on construction payment recovery: mechanics liens, public-project bond claims, preliminary and statutory notices, contract review, and commercial collections. The firm coordinates multistate matters through a network of vetted local counsel, acting as a single point of contact for national contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. ### Services #### Project Risk Management Comprehensive review of project documentation and procedural gaps to identify compliance and payment risks. Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/services/project-risk-management #### Compliance & 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. Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/services/compliance #### Mechanics Lien & Bond Claim Enforcement Single point of coordination for multistate enforcement, working with vetted local counsel where required. Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/services/enforcement #### Collections Alternative collection strategies for suppliers without lien or bond claim rights, or where notice deadlines have passed. Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/services/collections #### Legal Counsel (On-Demand GC) On-demand general counsel for construction and manufacturing companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/services/legal-counsel #### Document Drafting & Review Pre-drafted and customized contract forms, lien waivers, and credit applications. Flat-fee options available. Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/services/document-drafting ## Mechanics Lien and Bond Claim Rules by State Each profile summarizes who may claim, the recording window, the deadline to sue, preliminary-notice requirements, and public-project bond claim rules. ### Illinois (IL) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/illinois - Private-work statute: Illinois Mechanics Lien Act, 770 ILCS 60 - Public-work statute: Illinois Public Construction Bond Act, 30 ILCS 550 - Primary statute source: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2200 - Who can claim: General contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, and design professionals who furnished labor or materials with the owner's knowledge. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 4 months of last work to be enforceable against subsequent third parties; within 2 years to be enforceable against the owner. - Deadline to file suit: Suit to foreclose must be filed within 2 years of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractors and suppliers must serve a 90-day notice on the owner under § 24 to preserve lien rights on residential and commercial work. - Public-project bond claim: Public-project claimants must serve notice of claim on the contractor and public body within 180 days of last work under 30 ILCS 550/2. Illinois mechanics lien law (770 ILCS 60) requires careful tracking of the 90-day subcontractor notice and the 4-month recording window. Public projects fall under the Public Construction Bond Act (30 ILCS 550). Illinois is one of the most litigated mechanics-lien jurisdictions in the country. The Mechanics Lien Act protects a broad class of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals — but enforcement is procedurally strict. Subcontractors must serve the owner with a written notice of claim within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials. The lien itself must be recorded within four months of last work to bind subsequent purchasers and lenders, and suit to foreclose must follow within two years. Owners and lenders can also serve a § 34 demand requiring suit within 30 days, which traps unprepared claimants. Common Illinois pitfalls: - Missing the 90-day subcontractor notice: Subcontractors and suppliers who do not have a direct contract with the owner forfeit lien rights if the § 24 notice is not served within 90 days of last work. - Serving the wrong owner of record: Title can change mid-project. Notices and recorded liens must name the owner as reflected in the recorder's office on the date of recording. - Treating warranty or punch-list work as 'last work': Illinois courts routinely strike liens that calculate the deadline from corrective or warranty visits rather than substantial last work. - Recording on a public project: There is no mechanics lien against public property in Illinois. Public claimants must file a bond claim under 30 ILCS 550, not a recorded lien. Illinois questions and answers: - Q: How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Illinois? A: To bind third parties, the lien must be recorded within four months of the last day labor or materials were furnished. To enforce against the owner only, the outer deadline is two years. - Q: Do I need to send a preliminary notice in Illinois? A: Subcontractors and suppliers without a direct contract with the owner must serve a 90-day notice under § 24 of the Mechanics Lien Act. General contractors with a direct owner contract are not required to serve a 90-day notice. - Q: What happens on public construction projects? A: Mechanics liens cannot attach to public property. Claimants must file a bond claim under the Illinois Public Construction Bond Act, 30 ILCS 550, generally within 180 days of last work. - Q: What is a § 34 demand? A: Owners or lenders may serve a 30-day demand requiring the lien claimant to commence a foreclosure suit. Failure to file within 30 days forfeits the lien. ### California (CA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/california - Private-work statute: California Civil Code §§ 8000–9566 (Works of Improvement) - Public-work statute: California Civil Code §§ 9100–9510 (Public Works) - Primary statute source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=CIV&tocTitle=+Civil+Code+-+CIV - Who can claim: Direct contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment lessors, and laborers who furnished work or materials authorized by the owner. - Lien recording deadline: Direct contractors: 90 days after completion (or 60 days after a recorded notice of completion or cessation). Subcontractors and suppliers: 90 days after completion (or 30 days after a recorded notice of completion). - Deadline to file suit: Suit to enforce the lien must be filed within 90 days of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: All claimants except direct contractors and laborers must serve a 20-day Preliminary Notice on the owner, direct contractor, and construction lender within 20 days of first furnishing. - Public-project bond claim: Public-works stop notices and payment-bond claims have separate deadlines under Civil Code §§ 9100 et seq.; bond claims generally require notice within 15 days of a notice of completion or 75 days of completion. California mechanics lien law is governed by Civil Code §§ 8000–9566. The 20-day Preliminary Notice is the gateway to all lien and stop-notice rights for subcontractors and suppliers. California has one of the most demanding pre-lien notice regimes in the United States. Subcontractors, suppliers, equipment lessors, and design professionals who do not have a direct contract with the owner must serve a 20-day Preliminary Notice on the owner, the direct contractor, and any construction lender within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Failure to do so eliminates lien, stop-notice, and payment-bond rights for any work performed more than 20 days before late service. The recording window depends on whether a Notice of Completion or Cessation is recorded. Suit to foreclose must be filed within 90 days of recording the lien. Common California pitfalls: - Late or missing 20-day Preliminary Notice: California courts strictly enforce the 20-day window. Late notice only preserves rights for work performed within the 20 days preceding service. - Serving notice on the wrong construction lender: Civil Code § 8200 requires service on the construction lender if any. Missing or stale lender information voids the notice as to that party. - Confusing private mechanics liens with public stop notices: Public works require a stop notice or bond claim — there is no recorded lien against public property. California questions and answers: - Q: Who has to send a 20-day Preliminary Notice in California? A: Every claimant except direct contractors and W-2 laborers. This includes subcontractors, material suppliers, equipment rental companies, and design professionals. - Q: How long do I have to record a mechanics lien? A: Direct contractors: 90 days after completion of the work of improvement (or 60 days after a recorded Notice of Completion or Cessation). Subcontractors and suppliers: 90 days (or 30 days after a recorded Notice of Completion). - Q: Do I have to file suit after recording? A: Yes. Suit to enforce the lien must be filed within 90 days of recording, or the lien expires by operation of law. ### Texas (TX) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/texas - Private-work statute: Texas Property Code, Chapter 53 - Public-work statute: Texas Government Code, Chapter 2253 (McGregor Act) - Primary statute source: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.53.htm - Who can claim: Original contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, landscapers, and demolition contractors. - Lien recording deadline: Commercial: file the lien affidavit by the 15th day of the 4th month after last furnishing. Residential: by the 15th day of the 3rd month. Original contractors: by the 15th day of the 4th month after the original contract is completed, terminated, or abandoned. - Deadline to file suit: Suit to foreclose must be filed within 1 year of the last day for filing the lien affidavit (commercial) or within the period required by an owner's demand (as short as 30 days). - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractors and suppliers must serve monthly notices to the owner and original contractor by the 15th day of each month for unpaid labor or materials, with strict timing that varies by tier (3rd-month notice for second-tier; 2nd-month for derivative claimants). - Public-project bond claim: Public-project claimants must file a McGregor Act bond claim within 90 days of last work and may need to file suit within 1 year. Texas Chapter 53 lien law is notice-driven: subcontractors and suppliers must serve monthly 'Funds-Trapping' and 'Retainage' notices to preserve lien rights. Public projects fall under the McGregor Act (Government Code Chapter 2253). Texas is a strict-compliance lien state with a complex monthly notice system. Subcontractors and suppliers must serve owners and original contractors with notice of unpaid amounts by the 15th day of the 2nd or 3rd month after the month in which labor or material was furnished, depending on their tier. The lien affidavit itself must be filed by the 15th day of the 3rd or 4th month after last furnishing, and suit to foreclose generally must follow within one year. The 2022 amendments to Chapter 53 streamlined some forms but did not relax the timing rules. Common Texas pitfalls: - Missing a monthly funds-trapping notice: Each month's unpaid labor or materials triggers its own notice deadline. A single missed month can cap the lien at later-month amounts only. - Treating residential and commercial deadlines the same: Residential deadlines are one month shorter at every step. Misapplying commercial timing on a residential project voids the lien. - Ignoring the original contractor's deadline structure: Original contractors do not file monthly notices but must file the lien affidavit on a different schedule tied to substantial completion or abandonment. Texas questions and answers: - Q: When do I have to send notice to the owner in Texas? A: Second-tier subcontractors and suppliers must serve owners and original contractors by the 15th day of the 3rd month after each month in which labor or material was furnished and unpaid. Derivative claimants must also send a 2nd-month notice to the original contractor. - Q: How long do I have to file a Texas mechanics lien? A: Commercial: by the 15th day of the 4th month after last furnishing. Residential: by the 15th day of the 3rd month. Original contractors have until the 15th day of the 4th month after contract completion. - Q: How quickly can an owner force me to sue? A: An owner or original contractor can serve a written demand requiring suit within 30 days under § 53.158. Failure to file within that window forfeits the lien. ### Florida (FL) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/florida - Private-work statute: Florida Construction Lien Law, Chapter 713, Part I - Public-work statute: Florida Statutes § 255.05 (Public Bond) - Primary statute source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0713/0713.html - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, laborers, and design professionals in privity with the owner or who served a Notice to Owner. - Lien recording deadline: Record the Claim of Lien within 90 days of last furnishing labor or materials. - Deadline to file suit: Suit to foreclose must be filed within 1 year of recording the Claim of Lien (or sooner if the owner serves a 20-day Notice of Contest of Lien, which shortens it to 60 days). - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: All claimants not in direct privity with the owner must serve a Notice to Owner before commencing work or within 45 days of first furnishing — whichever is earlier. - Public-project bond claim: Public-bond claimants must serve notice of nonpayment within 90 days of final furnishing under § 255.05 and file suit within 1 year. Florida Chapter 713 is built around the Notice to Owner: subcontractors and suppliers who fail to serve it within 45 days of first furnishing lose all lien rights — even if they are otherwise paid in full to date. Florida's Construction Lien Law is one of the most claimant-unfriendly statutes in the country if procedures are not followed. The Notice to Owner is the foundation of every subcontractor and supplier lien — it must be served on the owner (and any lender or contractor identified in the Notice of Commencement) within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials. The Claim of Lien is then recorded within 90 days of last work, and suit to foreclose must follow within one year — which an owner can shorten to 60 days by serving a Notice of Contest of Lien. Common Florida pitfalls: - Late Notice to Owner: The 45-day window runs from first furnishing, not last. Suppliers who deliver materials over a long period and serve notice at the end have no lien rights at all. - Missing the Notice of Commencement chain: Owners file a Notice of Commencement listing the contractor and lender. Failing to use the addresses on the recorded NOC can void the Notice to Owner. - Owner-served Notice of Contest cuts the year to 60 days: Many subcontractors plan around the one-year suit window and are caught when an owner contests, leaving only 60 days to file. Florida questions and answers: - Q: What is a Notice to Owner in Florida? A: A statutory notice required of every lien claimant who is not in direct privity with the owner. It must be served within 45 days of first furnishing labor or materials, and failure to serve it on time forfeits all lien rights for the project. - Q: When do I record the Claim of Lien? A: Within 90 days of the last day labor or materials were furnished to the project. - Q: Can the owner shorten my time to sue? A: Yes. By recording a Notice of Contest of Lien, the owner can shorten the year-long enforcement window to 60 days. ### New York (NY) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/new-york - Private-work statute: New York Lien Law, Article 2 - Public-work statute: New York Lien Law, Article 2 §§ 5, 12 (Public Improvement) - Primary statute source: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/LIE - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, laborers, architects, engineers, and surveyors who improved real property at the owner's request or with the owner's consent. - Lien recording deadline: Single-family residential: 4 months from last work. Commercial: 8 months from last work (4 months on public improvements). - Deadline to file suit: 1 year from filing for commercial private liens (subject to one renewal); public-improvement liens have specific bond/discharge timelines. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: New York does not require a preliminary notice for private projects, but Lien Law § 38 allows owners to demand an itemized statement of the lien amount. - Public-project bond claim: Public-improvement claims under Lien Law § 5 must be filed within 30 days after the entire improvement is completed and accepted; a separate notice of claim under State Finance Law § 137 may apply. New York Lien Law Article 2 distinguishes between single-family residential, commercial, and public-improvement liens, each with its own filing window. Owners can also serve a 30-day demand to commence suit under § 59. New York mechanics lien practice is governed by Article 2 of the Lien Law. Unlike most states, New York does not impose a preliminary notice requirement on private projects — but it strictly enforces filing deadlines that turn on the type of project (single-family residential, commercial, or public improvement). Liens on commercial projects are valid for one year and may be extended by court order or by extension. Owners may serve a § 59 demand requiring the claimant to commence suit within 30 days, and § 38 allows demands for an itemized statement of the lien. Common New York pitfalls: - Filing under the wrong deadline category: Single-family residential liens have a 4-month window; commercial work has 8 months; public improvements have 30 days after acceptance. - Allowing a § 59 demand to lapse: An owner-served notice to commence suit cuts the enforcement window to 30 days — a frequent trap on commercial projects. - Missing the bond-discharge window: If the owner discharges the lien by bond, the claimant has limited time to assert claims against the bond. New York questions and answers: - Q: Does New York require a preliminary notice? A: No. Private projects in New York do not require a pre-lien or preliminary notice. However, owners may demand an itemized statement of the lien at any time under § 38. - Q: How long do I have to file a New York mechanics lien? A: Single-family residential: 4 months from last work. Commercial: 8 months. Public improvements: 30 days after the improvement is completed and accepted. - Q: How long is a New York mechanics lien valid? A: One year from filing on commercial projects, subject to renewal by court order or extension. Single-family residential liens have shorter terms. ### Alabama (AL) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/alabama - Private-work statute: Ala. Code §§ 35-11-210 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File within 6 months of last work (general contractor); 4 months (materialmen). - Deadline to file suit: Suit must be filed within 6 months of lien filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Suppliers without direct contract must give pre-lien notice to the owner. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects governed by the Alabama Little Miller Act. Alabama mechanics lien rights are governed by Ala. Code §§ 35-11-210 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Alaska (AK) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/alaska - Private-work statute: Alaska Stat. §§ 34.35.050 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 120 days of completion of contribution (90 days for some claimants). - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of right to lien recommended within 15 days of first furnishing. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act; bond claim notice typically 90 days. Alaska mechanics lien rights are governed by Alaska Stat. §§ 34.35.050 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Arizona (AZ) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/arizona - Private-work statute: Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 33-981 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 120 days of completion (60 days if Notice of Completion recorded). - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: 20-day Preliminary Notice required of every claimant within 20 days of first furnishing. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act; bond claim notice within 90 days of last work. Arizona mechanics lien rights are governed by Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 33-981 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Arkansas (AR) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/arkansas - Private-work statute: Ark. Code §§ 18-44-101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File within 120 days of last work; 75 days' written notice of intent to lien required. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 15 months of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-construction and 10-day notices apply to residential and commercial work. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act applies to public projects. Arkansas mechanics lien rights are governed by Ark. Code §§ 18-44-101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Colorado (CO) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/colorado - Private-work statute: Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 4 months of last work (2 months for laborers); intent-to-lien notice 10 days before recording. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of last work or completion of project. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: 10-day Notice of Intent required before recording. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-26-105. Colorado mechanics lien rights are governed by Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-22-101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Connecticut (CT) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/connecticut - Private-work statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 49-33 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 90 days of last work; serve a copy on the owner within 30 days. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Intent required for subcontractors and suppliers. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under the State of Connecticut Little Miller Act. Connecticut mechanics lien rights are governed by Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 49-33 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Delaware (DE) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/delaware - Private-work statute: 25 Del. C. §§ 2701 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Statement of Claim filed in Superior Court within 180 days of completion (general contractor) or 120 days (subcontractor). - Deadline to file suit: Filing the Statement of Claim itself initiates the action. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractors must serve preliminary notice on owners of certain residential property. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under 29 Del. C. §§ 6961 et seq. Delaware mechanics lien rights are governed by 25 Del. C. §§ 2701 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### District of Columbia (DC) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/district-of-columbia - Private-work statute: D.C. Code §§ 40-301.01 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 90 days of completion or termination of contract. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 180 days of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Intent must be filed before recording the lien. - Public-project bond claim: DC public works under D.C. Code § 2-201.01 et seq. District of Columbia mechanics lien rights are governed by D.C. Code §§ 40-301.01 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Georgia (GA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/georgia - Private-work statute: O.C.G.A. §§ 44-14-360 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File within 90 days of last work; serve owner with Notice of Filing within 2 days. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 365 days of filing; Notice of Commencement and Notice to Contractor procedures apply. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Preliminary Notice to Contractor required when an owner files a Notice of Commencement. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under O.C.G.A. § 36-91 (Little Miller Act). Georgia mechanics lien rights are governed by O.C.G.A. §§ 44-14-360 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Hawaii (HI) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/hawaii - Private-work statute: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 507-41 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Application to record lien filed in Circuit Court within 45 days of completion of the improvement. - Deadline to file suit: Court-ordered hearing within the application process. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: No statewide pre-lien notice, but each project's Notice of Completion controls timing. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act for public projects. Hawaii mechanics lien rights are governed by Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 507-41 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Idaho (ID) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/idaho - Private-work statute: Idaho Code §§ 45-501 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 90 days of last work or completion of contract. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required from suppliers/subcontractors on residential projects. - Public-project bond claim: Public works under Idaho Code § 54-1925. Idaho mechanics lien rights are governed by Idaho Code §§ 45-501 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Indiana (IN) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/indiana - Private-work statute: Ind. Code §§ 32-28-3 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 60 days of last work (residential) or 90 days (commercial) of last labor or material furnished. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required for residential projects within 60 days of first delivery. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Ind. Code § 5-16-5. Indiana mechanics lien rights are governed by Ind. Code §§ 32-28-3 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Iowa (IA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/iowa - Private-work statute: Iowa Code §§ 572.1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Post lien on the Mechanic's Notice and Lien Registry (MNLR) within 90 days of last work to bind owner-occupied residential property; commercial later but with reduced priority. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 2 years of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: MNLR posting required on residential work within prescribed windows. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Iowa Code § 573. Iowa mechanics lien rights are governed by Iowa Code §§ 572.1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Kansas (KS) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/kansas - Private-work statute: Kan. Stat. §§ 60-1101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Original contractor: file within 4 months of last work. Subcontractor: 3 months (residential) / 5 months (commercial). - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of filing the lien statement. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractor pre-lien notices required for residential projects. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Kan. Stat. § 60-1111. Kansas mechanics lien rights are governed by Kan. Stat. §§ 60-1101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Kentucky (KY) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/kentucky - Private-work statute: Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 376.010 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File statement within 6 months of last work; 75 days for owner-occupied residential work plus 120-day notice rules. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 12 months of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: 75-day pre-lien notice on residential, 120-day on commercial. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under KRS 45A.190 et seq. Kentucky mechanics lien rights are governed by Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 376.010 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Louisiana (LA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/louisiana - Private-work statute: La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:4801 et seq. (Private Works Act) - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File statement of claim within 60 days of substantial completion or termination; 30 days if Notice of Termination recorded. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of filing the statement. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Contract recordation by the GC affects subcontractor priority and notice obligations. - Public-project bond claim: Public Works Act for state projects. Louisiana mechanics lien rights are governed by La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:4801 et seq. (Private Works Act). Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Maine (ME) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/maine - Private-work statute: 10 M.R.S. §§ 3251 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record certificate within 90 days of last work; suit within 120 days of last work for non-direct claimants. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 120 days of last labor or material furnished. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice to owner required from subcontractors and suppliers. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act on public projects. Maine mechanics lien rights are governed by 10 M.R.S. §§ 3251 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Maryland (MD) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/maryland - Private-work statute: Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 9-101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Petition to establish lien filed in circuit court within 180 days of last work (subcontractors must give 120-day notice first). - Deadline to file suit: Lien is established by court order in the same action. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: 120-day Notice of Intent to Claim required from subcontractors. - Public-project bond claim: Maryland Little Miller Act. Maryland mechanics lien rights are governed by Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 9-101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Massachusetts (MA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/massachusetts - Private-work statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254 - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record Notice of Contract; record Statement of Account within earliest of 90 days after last work, 90 days after Notice of Substantial Completion, or 120 days after Notice of Termination. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 90 days of recording the Statement of Account. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Contract foundational to subcontractor/supplier lien rights. - Public-project bond claim: Public works under M.G.L. ch. 149, § 29. Massachusetts mechanics lien rights are governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 254. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Michigan (MI) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/michigan - Private-work statute: Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 570.1101 et seq. (CLA) - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record claim of lien within 90 days of last work. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Furnishing required within 20 days of first furnishing for non-residential projects. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under MCL 129.201 et seq. Michigan mechanics lien rights are governed by Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 570.1101 et seq. (CLA). Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Minnesota (MN) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/minnesota - Private-work statute: Minn. Stat. §§ 514.01 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record statement within 120 days of last work; serve owner within the same period. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required from contractors and suppliers on most projects. - Public-project bond claim: Public works under Minn. Stat. § 574.26. Minnesota mechanics lien rights are governed by Minn. Stat. §§ 514.01 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Mississippi (MS) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/mississippi - Private-work statute: Miss. Code §§ 85-7-401 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File claim of lien within 90 days of last work; serve a written Notice of Lien on the owner. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 180 days of filing the lien. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice generally required from subcontractors and suppliers. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act on state public projects. Mississippi mechanics lien rights are governed by Miss. Code §§ 85-7-401 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Missouri (MO) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/missouri - Private-work statute: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 429.010 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File statement within 6 months of last work (4 months on equipment); 10-day notice of intent on residential. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: 10-day Notice of Intent and Consent to Lien rules apply on residential projects. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 107.170. Missouri mechanics lien rights are governed by Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 429.010 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Montana (MT) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/montana - Private-work statute: Mont. Code §§ 71-3-501 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File construction lien within 90 days of last work; 20-day Notice of Right to Claim a Lien required on residential. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 2 years of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Right to Claim a Lien required from non-direct contractors. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Mont. Code § 18-2-201. Montana mechanics lien rights are governed by Mont. Code §§ 71-3-501 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Nebraska (NE) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/nebraska - Private-work statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 52-125 et seq. (NCLA) - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record lien within 120 days of last work. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 2 years of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Right to Assert a Lien required on residential property within 10 days of first furnishing. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 52-118. Nebraska mechanics lien rights are governed by Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 52-125 et seq. (NCLA). Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Nevada (NV) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/nevada - Private-work statute: Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 108.221 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record Notice of Lien within 90 days of completion or 40 days after Notice of Completion recorded. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required within 31 days of first furnishing on residential and commercial work. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act on public projects. Nevada mechanics lien rights are governed by Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 108.221 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### New Hampshire (NH) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/new-hampshire - Private-work statute: N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 447:1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Lien attaches at first furnishing; suit to perfect by attachment must be filed within 120 days of last work. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 120 days of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractors should give written notice to owner to bind owner's funds. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under RSA 447:16. New Hampshire mechanics lien rights are governed by N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 447:1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### New Jersey (NJ) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/new-jersey - Private-work statute: N.J. Stat. §§ 2A:44A-1 et seq. (CLL) - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Commercial: record Construction Lien Claim within 90 days of last work. Residential: file Notice of Unpaid Balance and Right to File Lien within 60 days, then arbitrate. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of last work or amendment. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Residential projects require pre-lien arbitration with the AAA. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under N.J.S.A. 2A:44-143 et seq. New Jersey mechanics lien rights are governed by N.J. Stat. §§ 2A:44A-1 et seq. (CLL). Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### New Mexico (NM) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/new-mexico - Private-work statute: N.M. Stat. §§ 48-2-1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Original contractor: file within 120 days. Other claimants: 90 days from completion. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 2 years of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required of certain claimants on residential projects. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act on public works. New Mexico mechanics lien rights are governed by N.M. Stat. §§ 48-2-1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### North Carolina (NC) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/north-carolina - Private-work statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 44A-7 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File claim of lien on real property within 120 days of last work; subrogation lien on funds requires Notice of Claim of Lien upon Funds. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 180 days of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice to Lien Agent required within 15 days of first furnishing on most projects > $30,000. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44A-25 et seq. North Carolina mechanics lien rights are governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 44A-7 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### North Dakota (ND) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/north-dakota - Private-work statute: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 35-27-01 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 90 days of last work to maintain priority; outer limit 3 years; 10-day notice of intent required. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 3 years of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: 10-day pre-lien notice to owner. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under N.D. Cent. Code § 48-01.2-10. North Dakota mechanics lien rights are governed by N.D. Cent. Code §§ 35-27-01 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Ohio (OH) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/ohio - Private-work statute: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1311.01 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Residential: file affidavit within 60 days of last work. Commercial: 75 days. Oil & gas: 120 days. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 years (commercial) but subject to Notice to Commence Suit reducing to 60 days. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Furnishing required where owner files Notice of Commencement. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Ohio Rev. Code § 1311.25 et seq. Ohio mechanics lien rights are governed by Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1311.01 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Oklahoma (OK) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/oklahoma - Private-work statute: Okla. Stat. tit. 42, §§ 141 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Original contractor: file within 4 months of last work. Subcontractor: 90 days; pre-lien notice required. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 1 year of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required from non-residential subcontractors > $10,000. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Okla. Stat. tit. 61 § 1 et seq. Oklahoma mechanics lien rights are governed by Okla. Stat. tit. 42, §§ 141 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Oregon (OR) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/oregon - Private-work statute: Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 87.001 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record within 75 days of last work or completion of construction, whichever is earlier. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 120 days of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien Notice of Right to Lien required within 8 days of first furnishing on residential. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act under ORS 279C.600 et seq. Oregon mechanics lien rights are governed by Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 87.001 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Pennsylvania (PA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/pennsylvania - Private-work statute: 49 Pa. Stat. §§ 1101 et seq. (MLLA) - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File mechanics lien claim within 6 months of last work; serve owner within 1 month of filing. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 2 years of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractors must serve a Formal Notice of Intention to File a Lien at least 30 days before filing. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under 8 Pa.C.S. § 191 et seq. Pennsylvania mechanics lien rights are governed by 49 Pa. Stat. §§ 1101 et seq. (MLLA). Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Rhode Island (RI) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/rhode-island - Private-work statute: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-28-1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record Notice of Intention within 200 days of doing work; record Notice of Lis Pendens within 40 days after substantial completion. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 40 days of recording Notice of Lis Pendens. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Intention is the foundational filing. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-12. Rhode Island mechanics lien rights are governed by R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-28-1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### South Carolina (SC) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/south-carolina - Private-work statute: S.C. Code §§ 29-5-10 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File and serve statement within 90 days of last work; suit within 6 months. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Furnishing Labor and Materials recommended for second-tier claimants. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under S.C. Code § 11-35-3030. South Carolina mechanics lien rights are governed by S.C. Code §§ 29-5-10 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### South Dakota (SD) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/south-dakota - Private-work statute: S.D. Codified Laws §§ 44-9-1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record statement within 120 days of last work; pre-lien notice for owner-occupied residential. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 years of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice for owner-occupied residential. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under S.D. Codified Laws § 5-21. South Dakota mechanics lien rights are governed by S.D. Codified Laws §§ 44-9-1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Tennessee (TN) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/tennessee - Private-work statute: Tenn. Code §§ 66-11-101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Sworn Statement of Lien recorded within 90 days of completion (prime contractor: 1 year by direct privity). - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 90 days of Notice of Lien (subcontractor) or 1 year (prime). - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Nonpayment required monthly from remote claimants on commercial projects > $25,000. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act under Tenn. Code § 12-4-201. Tennessee mechanics lien rights are governed by Tenn. Code §§ 66-11-101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Utah (UT) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/utah - Private-work statute: Utah Code §§ 38-1a-101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record Notice of Construction Lien within 180 days of completion (or 90 days after Notice of Completion filed in SCR). - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 180 days of recording the lien. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Preliminary Notice required within 20 days of first furnishing through the State Construction Registry. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Utah Code § 14-1-18. Utah mechanics lien rights are governed by Utah Code §§ 38-1a-101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Vermont (VT) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/vermont - Private-work statute: 9 V.S.A. §§ 1921 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record memorandum of lien within 180 days of last work; serve writ of attachment within 180 days. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 180 days of last work. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: No statewide preliminary notice requirement. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under 29 V.S.A. § 161. Vermont mechanics lien rights are governed by 9 V.S.A. §§ 1921 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Virginia (VA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/virginia - Private-work statute: Va. Code §§ 43-1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record memorandum of mechanics lien within 90 days of last work in the month or 90 days from termination of project, whichever earlier; lien limited to last 150 days of work. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of recording or 60 days of completion, whichever later. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Subcontractors and suppliers should give Notice to Owner to perfect personal liability. - Public-project bond claim: Little Miller Act under Va. Code § 2.2-4337 et seq. Virginia mechanics lien rights are governed by Va. Code §§ 43-1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Washington (WA) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/washington - Private-work statute: Wash. Rev. Code §§ 60.04 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Record claim of lien within 90 days of last work. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 8 months of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-claim Notice to Owner required from suppliers/subcontractors within 60 days of first furnishing on residential or commercial projects (with carve-outs for direct contractors). - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under RCW 39.08. Washington mechanics lien rights are governed by Wash. Rev. Code §§ 60.04 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### West Virginia (WV) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/west-virginia - Private-work statute: W. Va. Code §§ 38-2-1 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: General contractor: 100 days. Subcontractor: 100 days with Notice of Mechanic's Lien served first. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 6 months of recording. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Notice of Mechanic's Lien required from subcontractors and suppliers. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under W. Va. Code § 38-2-39. West Virginia mechanics lien rights are governed by W. Va. Code §§ 38-2-1 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Wisconsin (WI) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/wisconsin - Private-work statute: Wis. Stat. §§ 779.01 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: File claim of lien within 6 months of last work; serve preliminary notice and 30-day Notice of Intent first. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 2 years of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Preliminary Notice required within 60 days of first furnishing on most projects; 30-day Notice of Intent before filing. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Wis. Stat. § 779.14. Wisconsin mechanics lien rights are governed by Wis. Stat. §§ 779.01 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ### Wyoming (WY) - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/lien-law/wyoming - Private-work statute: Wyo. Stat. §§ 29-2-101 et seq. - Who can claim: Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers who furnished labor or materials for the improvement of real property, subject to state-specific notice requirements. - Lien recording deadline: Original contractor: 150 days. Subcontractor / supplier: 120 days. Pre-lien notice required. - Deadline to file suit: Suit within 180 days of filing. - Preliminary / pre-lien notice: Pre-lien notice required of subcontractors and suppliers within prescribed periods. - Public-project bond claim: Public projects under Wyo. Stat. § 16-6-112. Wyoming mechanics lien rights are governed by Wyo. Stat. §§ 29-2-101 et seq.. Strict notice and recording deadlines apply — call our office for jurisdiction-specific guidance. ## Illinois County Reference ### Cook County - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/illinois/cook - County seat: Chicago - Recording office: Cook County Clerk's Office — Recordings Division - Enforcement court: Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center, Chancery Division) - Major cities: Chicago, Evanston, Schaumburg, Cicero, Skokie, Oak Park, Tinley Park Cook County is the largest construction market in Illinois — high-rise commercial, public works, healthcare, and industrial projects across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Dense urban projects, layered general contractor / construction manager structures, and active public construction programs make Section 24 subcontractor notice and Section 34 demand timing especially critical in Cook County. Recordings are processed through the Cook County Clerk's Office, and chancery-division foreclosures are filed at the Daley Center. - Missed 90-day subcontractor notice (770 ILCS 60/24): On large CM-managed projects, subcontractors and suppliers often lose track of when their last delivery or work occurred — the 90-day window to serve the owner closes quickly. - Pay-when-paid disputes on layered projects: Multi-tier subcontracts on Cook County jobs frequently contain conditional payment clauses that interact with lien rights in non-obvious ways. - Public construction bond claims (30 ILCS 550): Chicago, CTA, CPS, and other public owners require bond claim notice procedures that differ materially from private mechanics lien practice. - Section 34 demand to commence suit: Owners and lenders often serve a 30-day demand to force suit before contractors are ready — missing the deadline forfeits the lien. ### Lake County - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/illinois/lake - County seat: Waukegan - Recording office: Lake County Recorder of Deeds (Waukegan) - Enforcement court: 19th Judicial Circuit Court — Lake County (Waukegan) - Major cities: Waukegan, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Mundelein, Lake Bluff Lake County is home to our office in Lake Forest and a strong base of commercial, industrial, healthcare, and pharmaceutical construction along the I-94 and Route 41 corridors. Lake County hosts substantial private commercial work (corporate campuses, life-sciences facilities, distribution) plus active municipal and school district projects. Mechanics liens are recorded with the Lake County Recorder of Deeds in Waukegan and enforced in the 19th Judicial Circuit. - Owner-occupied vs. commercial classification: Mixed-use and small-commercial projects in Lake County sometimes raise residential/owner-occupied notice questions under Section 5 that can change deadlines. - Municipal and park district bond claims: Public projects for Lake County municipalities and special districts require Public Construction Bond Act compliance — not lien recording. - 4-month recording deadline (770 ILCS 60/7): Suppliers on long-tail Lake County jobs often miscalculate the 4-month window from last work or delivery against the owner of record. - Lien priority vs. construction lenders: Active development financing in Lake County means careful priority analysis under Section 16 is often required before enforcement. ### DuPage County - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/illinois/dupage - County seat: Wheaton - Recording office: DuPage County Recorder (Wheaton) - Enforcement court: 18th Judicial Circuit Court — DuPage County (Wheaton) - Major cities: Wheaton, Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Lombard, Elmhurst, Lisle DuPage County's I-88 corridor anchors major office, data center, distribution, and healthcare construction — with sophisticated owners, GCs, and lenders. Data center build-outs, corporate headquarters, and large suburban commercial projects drive DuPage construction activity. Liens are recorded at the DuPage County Recorder in Wheaton; enforcement actions are filed in the 18th Judicial Circuit. - Data center & mission-critical change-order disputes: Aggressive schedules on DuPage data center projects often produce undocumented change orders that complicate lien valuation. - Tier-3 supplier notice strategy: Long subcontract chains on suburban commercial projects make the 770 ILCS 60/24 90-day notice harder to time correctly. - Bond claims on village and school district work: DuPage municipalities and school districts routinely require bonds — claims must be made under 30 ILCS 550, not the Mechanics Lien Act. - Lien waiver enforceability: Owner-side conditional and unconditional waiver forms used in DuPage commercial closings are frequently broader than expected. ### Kane County - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/illinois/kane - County seat: Geneva - Recording office: Kane County Recorder (Geneva) - Enforcement court: 16th Judicial Circuit Court — Kane County (Geneva / St. Charles) - Major cities: Geneva, Aurora, Elgin, St. Charles, Batavia, Carpentersville, South Elgin Kane County combines active industrial, distribution, and residential development along the Fox River and I-90 corridors with significant municipal infrastructure work. Industrial parks in Aurora and Elgin, distribution facilities, and continued residential growth keep Kane County contractors and suppliers active. Recordings go through the Kane County Recorder in Geneva; foreclosure and Section 34 actions are filed in the 16th Judicial Circuit. - Residential project notice nuances (Section 5): Suppliers on Kane County residential and small mixed-use projects frequently miss owner-notice formalities that condition lien rights. - Distribution / spec industrial last-day disputes: Punch-list and warranty work on spec industrial projects often gets miscounted as 'last day,' jeopardizing the 4-month recording deadline. - Public bond claims on municipal infrastructure: Streets, water, and storm projects for Kane County municipalities require bond claim handling under 30 ILCS 550. - Joint check and lender setoff issues: Lender-driven joint check arrangements on Kane County developments can disrupt expected payment flow and require careful enforcement strategy. ### McHenry County - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/illinois/mchenry - County seat: Woodstock - Recording office: McHenry County Recorder (Woodstock) - Enforcement court: 22nd Judicial Circuit Court — McHenry County (Woodstock) - Major cities: Woodstock, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Algonquin, Huntley, Cary, Lake in the Hills 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. 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. ### Will County - Page: https://mylienlawyer.com/illinois/will - County seat: Joliet - Recording office: Will County Recorder of Deeds (Joliet) - Enforcement court: 12th Judicial Circuit Court — Will County (Joliet) - Major cities: Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield, Naperville (Will portion), New Lenox, Lockport, Frankfort Will County is one of the country's largest distribution and intermodal markets — massive logistics, warehouse, and infrastructure construction along the I-55, I-80, and I-355 corridors. BNSF and UP intermodal facilities, mega-warehouse development in Joliet, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook, and major roadway and utility infrastructure define Will County construction. Liens record at the Will County Recorder of Deeds in Joliet; foreclosure actions are filed in the 12th Judicial Circuit. - Mega-warehouse change order documentation: Speed-driven warehouse and distribution projects in Will County often result in undocumented or disputed change orders that complicate lien amounts. - Public bond claims on roadway / utility work: IDOT-adjacent and municipal infrastructure work in Will County requires Public Construction Bond Act notices, not lien recordings. - Subcontractor 90-day notice (Section 24): Long supply chains on logistics megaprojects make timely owner notice the most common failure point on Will County claims. - Last-work disputes after substantial completion: Punch-list, commissioning, and warranty visits on large Will County warehouses are routinely contested as 'not lienable' work. ## Educational Articles ### Change Orders and Extra Work: Protecting the Balance You Are Owed Extra work is where most unpaid balances originate. Here is how to make change order claims survive a no-oral-modification clause and a written-notice requirement. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/change-orders-and-extra-work-protecting-the-balance ### Your General Contractor Just Filed Bankruptcy. Now What? A GC bankruptcy freezes collection overnight. Here is what the automatic stay does and does not block, and the moves that protect your money in the first week. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/gc-bankruptcy-mid-project-what-to-do ### Public Projects: Miller Act and Little Miller Act Bond Claims You cannot lien public property. Here is how payment bond claims work on federal and state public jobs, and the deadlines that control them. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/miller-act-and-little-miller-act-claims ### Retainage: How to Actually Get the Last 10% Released Retainage is where profit goes to die. Understand how it is held, when it is due, and what leverage you have when it is not released. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/retainage-getting-the-last-ten-percent-released ### Serving and Recording a Mechanics Lien: Proof That Holds Up A technically perfect lien can still fail if you cannot prove how and when it was served. Here is how to build a service record that survives a challenge. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/serving-and-recording-a-mechanics-lien ### Notice of Furnishing: The Deadline Clock Most Suppliers Miss A notice of furnishing is often the first — and easiest — deadline to blow. Here is what it does, who must send it, and how the clock actually runs. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/notice-of-furnishing-deadline-clock ### Stop Notices: The Lien Right Most Subcontractors Forget On many private and almost all public projects, a stop notice can recover money a mechanics lien cannot. Here is how it works and when to use it. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/stop-notices-the-forgotten-lien-right ### How to Read a Pay Application Like a Lawyer Pay apps are where lien rights are won and lost long before the lien is filed. Here is what attorneys look at first when a payment dispute lands on their desk. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/reading-a-pay-application-like-a-lawyer ### Conditional vs. Unconditional Lien Waivers: A Practical Guide Sign the wrong waiver and you can give up lien rights for money you have not been paid. Here is how to read each type and what to insist on before signing. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/lien-waivers-conditional-vs-unconditional ### Illinois Mechanics Lien Law: 90-Day and 4-Month Deadlines Explained Illinois has two of the most unforgiving deadlines in the country. Here is how to keep your lien rights alive on private projects in the state. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/illinois-mechanics-lien-guide ### Mechanics Lien Deadlines: A State-by-State Overview Mechanics lien deadlines vary dramatically state to state. Miss one and your right to file is gone — here is the framework I use with clients to keep their rights alive in every jurisdiction. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/mechanics-lien-deadlines-state-by-state ### California Mechanics Lien Law: A Practical Guide California has some of the most detailed mechanics lien rules in the country. Here is what contractors, subs, and suppliers actually need to know about §§8400–8494. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/california-mechanics-lien-guide ### Texas Mechanics Lien Law: Fund Trapping & Monthly Notices Texas Property Code Chapter 53 is unique. Monthly fund-trapping notices, tiered deadlines, and a strict last-day-of-the-month rule. Here is how to stay compliant. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/texas-mechanics-lien-guide ### Florida Mechanics Lien Law: The Notice to Owner Trap In Florida, the Notice to Owner is everything. Miss it by a day and your lien is gone. Here is the §713 playbook. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/florida-mechanics-lien-guide ### New York Mechanics Lien Law: Private vs. Public Projects New York Lien Law Article 2 splits private and public projects into completely different deadline tracks. Here is how to navigate both. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/new-york-mechanics-lien-guide ### 5 Mistakes That Quietly Void Your Mechanics Lien After two decades of litigating these cases, the same five mistakes show up over and over. Here is how to avoid each one. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/five-mistakes-that-void-your-lien ### Preliminary Notices: Why They Matter and How to Send Them In most states, the preliminary notice is the gate that opens lien rights. Here is the why, the how, and the easy mistakes to avoid. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/preliminary-notices-explained ### Bond Claims vs. Mechanics Liens: What is the Difference? On public projects, you cannot file a mechanics lien against government property. That is what payment bonds are for. Here is how the two remedies differ. Read: https://mylienlawyer.com/blog/bond-claims-vs-mechanics-liens ## How to Engage the Firm - Submit a claim: https://mylienlawyer.com/submit-claim - Schedule a consultation: https://mylienlawyer.com/schedule - Estimate deadlines: https://mylienlawyer.com/calculator or https://liencalculator.ai - Call +1 855-5MY-LIEN or email info@mylienlawyer.com ## Disclaimer This content is general information about construction payment law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Statutes and deadlines change and vary by project type, contract, and jurisdiction; verify against the linked primary statute or consult counsel about a specific matter.