I'm a GC for mitigation and reconstruction in Texas. Can I file a TX Constitutional lien on clients who have passed the standard mechanic lien deadline? If so, would I use the same Lien Affidavit to file with the county clerk's office? Would I need anything extra when I file? Thanks!
You don't specify what kind of project (residential or commercial) or whether the owner's homestead property is involved.
If the property is the owner's homestead (meaning that the owner owns the property and lives there) then your contract with the owner would have to satisfy the requirements of Texas Property Code sections 53.254, et seq., which requires specified homestead lien warnings, signing by husband and wife, and recordation in the county property records.
You really should retain a construction attorney to review and evaluate your legal position based on the contract and pertinent documents. The right to be entitled to file a mechanic's lien is set out in Texas Property Code Chapter 53, and you really need to make sure that if you file a lien, you have properly and appropriately done so.
Filing an invalid lien could subject you to liability under the Texas Fraudulent Lien Act, and you could be liable for statutory damages of $10,000, or actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Facing such a claim would add insult to injury.
Incidentally, the wording of the mechanic's lien affidavit would be different -- it would have to reference the original contractor's Constitutional lien rights.
Good luck.