I'm very sorry to hear about that - it's frustrating when people refuse to pay what you've earned. First, it may be worth assessing whether the right to lien exists based on the work performed. Generally, mechanics lien rights will arise for work that permanently improves the underlying property. Thus, work that may temporarily improve a property may give rise to a debt, but that doesn't necessarily give rise to lien rights. For more on Georgia's lien and notice rules, this page could be helpful: Georgia Lien and Notice FAQs. It's worth noting, though, that even where there may be question as to the availability of mechanics lien rights, the mere threat of lien is often enough to compel payment - especially when the sale of property is imminent. Threatening a mechanics lien with a document such as a Notice of Intent to Lien can be particularly effective. A Notice of Intent states that if payment isn't made and made soon, a mechanics lien will be filed. Plus, it's a cheap and relatively risk-free option - if a Notice of Intent to Lien is ineffective to compel payment, a claimant can always proceed with their lien filing or whatever method of debt recovery is most appropriate. Finally, if you do decide that a mechanics lien is appropriate for recovery, there are a number of online tools available to make a mechanics lien filing easier - including the zlien Document Navigator. Plus, this article discusses how to do it on your own: How to File a Georgia Mechanics Lien.
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