Should I complete the job before I file a lien if most of the work is done, but I have not received progress payments?

 It may make sense for you to complete the job before pursuing
your payment rights. The main reason is that this will reduce the possibility
for counter claims related to the fact that the work is not complete. But, it
really depends on your level of comfort regarding whether or not the equity in
the property is sufficient to secure your claim. If the project is underwater,
it might not be worthwhile to throw extra time and money at it, increasing the
amount of lien that you need. Whatever you decide, be sure not to perform any
work after recording your lien as this will invalidate the lien. Also watch
your deadlines. You have 90 days from project completion to record a lien (absent
a notice of completion which reduces the deadline to 60 days from the notice
for direct contractors and 30 days for everyone else).  

If the project is not completed, a 60 day cessation of labor by
all trades will be considered completion and will trigger the start of the 90
day deadline. The owner also has the option of recording a notice of cessation
after a cessation of labor for 30 days, which reduces the lien deadline to 60
days from that notice for direct contractors and 30 days from that notice for
everyone else.  

Once you file a lien, you have 90 days from recording to foreclose. 

If you require legal assistance, email me at ryan@huntortmann.com for a free consultation.