Menu
Home>Levelset Community>Legal Help>What else can I do after a mechanic lien?

What else can I do after a mechanic lien?

WashingtonLien ForeclosureMechanics Lien

I’ve sent my client a mechanic lien and she made a partial payment. She hasn’t finished paying

1 reply

Dec 10, 2019
A Washington mechanics lien is only valid for 8 months from the date the claim was filed. If no action is taken, the lien will expire, and no longer be enforceable. After filing  a mechanics lien, claimants have two potential courses of action to take. One is to send a Notice of Intent to Foreclose. This letter can act as a final warning shot that if the unpaid balance isn't  paid within x amount of days, that you (as the claimant) are willing and able to file a foreclosure action on the mechanics lien. No one wants to go to court, and more importantly, no property owner wants a mechanics lien to stay on their property. This notice is typically enough pressure to induce payment in full. If, however, the owner still refuses to pay, it may be time to consider filing an enforcement (foreclosure) action on the mechanics lien claim. Keep in mind, that this is a full lawsuit requiring court costs and hiring an attorney. This can cost time and money that neither party wants to spend. Yes, if successful on the enforcement action, the court may award the prevailing party attorney fees. But, claimants will need to consider the amount of the claim and ask themselves, if foreclosing the mechanics lien is worth it? Good luck! Here's another article you may find helpful: How to File a Washington Mechanics Lien | Step-by-Step Guide to Get You Paid
0 people found this helpful
Helpful