Answers on liens, payment and contracts

Not long, and the answer depends on the state, the kind of work and who hired you. The clock often runs from your last day of work or delivery, so send me that date first and I’ll tell you what applies to your job.

Often yes. But someone further down the chain may have had to send a notice early in the job to keep the right. That’s the first thing I check.

For notices and liens I quote a flat fee in writing before I file anything. Collection suits and defect cases are billed hourly or on a fee we agree in writing. Court and recording fees are separate, and you pay them.

Don’t pay or sign anything yet, and send me the notice you got. Some liens are valid, some are late or too large, and each has its own way out.

That depends on your contract and the job. Stopping at the wrong time can put you in breach, so read the payment and stop-work terms first, or send them to me.

A bond bought for a public job, so that people who aren’t paid can claim against the bond rather than the building. Each bond has its own notice steps.

Yes. Owners hire me when a lien lands on their property or work was done wrong, and I never take both sides of a job.

Yes, that’s the cheapest time. I read subcontracts and prime contracts for a flat fee and tell you what to change.

Tell me anyway. Some claims survive, such as a contract claim, and some don’t. I’ll say which, and I won’t take a fee to file something that can’t work.