Hi! We have recently filed a lien on one of our projects. What are the next steps we need to take in order to enforce the lien?
Once a California mechanics lien has been recorded, it will only be valid for 90 days after the date the claim was recorded. This is the deadline to initiate a foreclosure action in California. This is a full lawsuit, so you should consult with an attorney to guide you through this process. We have quite a few California-based attorneys in our Levelset Community that may be able to assist you.
However, before filing suit you may want to try reaching out to the parties now that the claim has been filed. Furthermore, you can send a Notice of Intent to Foreclose to the owner and the GC (if applicable). Consider this an optional final warning letter stating if you aren't paid, a lawsuit to enforce the claim will follow.
For a deeper dive on these options see: 4 Steps to Take After Filing a Mechanics Lien
You have 90 days after the date of recording the lien to file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien - don't miss that deadline. Good luck.