Hello, We need to file a lien with this customer and have until 1/10. This is in LA. Could we file a Notice of Lien and the lien at the same time, or should we have a time lag between the notice and the actual filing?
First, note that a Notice of Intent to Lien (also called a "Final Notice of Nonpayment") is generally not required as part of Louisiana's mechanics lien process any longer. Further discussion here: Louisiana Notice of Intent FAQs & Guide. So, because that's an optional part of the LA lien process, a claimant could simply forgo it in order to pursue a lien.
However: If (1) it's a residential job (2) where you were hired by someone other than the homeowner, and (3) if there wasn't a Notice of Contract filed (more on that here) - then sending a Notice of Intent will generally extend the deadline by 10 days. So, conceivably, there may be a good reason to go that route.
But, in any event: Sending a Notice of Intent is optional, so a claimant could send one right before filing a lien if they really wanted to.