We filed a mechanical Lien against a customer that refused to pay. What is the next step?
Once a Minnesota mechanics lien has been filed, it will only be effective for a period of one year from the date listed as the "date of last furnishing labor or materials to the project" listed on the lien claim. An enforcement/foreclosure action must be initiated within that time frame, or the claim will expire and no longer be enforceable.
One particularly effective step you can take before consulting with an attorney about filing the foreclosure action, is to send a Notice of Intent to Foreclose. Consider it a final warning that if payment isn't forthcoming within x amount of days you are ready and willing to enforce your rights in court. The threat of litigation is typically enough to get the owner's attention.
For more on this and other options, here's a quick video that may prove useful: 4 Steps To Take After Filing a LIen