Replies

1. 
   fredsmart48 | Sep 13, 2003 07:49am | #1

   A lot of print shops have the forms also  office depot, stapples or that kind of store.  Your attorney. The first one you fill out you may want your attorney to walk you through it.  The county court house may also may have forms.

1. 
   HandyWerks | Sep 13, 2003 07:55am | #2

   Thanks. I should go to the attorney for the first one.

   Tried looking in Office Depot.com and couldn't find anything. Probably need to go to the store.

   Thanks!General ContractorMinneapolis MNwww.Handy-Werks.com

2. 
   goldhiller | Sep 13, 2003 04:25pm | #3

   Sorry to hear you need one.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
1. 
   HandyWerks | Sep 13, 2003 04:50pm | #4

   Don't know that I will, just getting uneasy.

   I found the forms I can get and download for any specific state at http://www.uslegalforms.com/lien-forms.htm

   Cost $14.

   Being primarily a handyman in the past I never used contracts. Have one job where I did a lot of repairs as there were many surprises. Having trouble getting paid now. They are very happy with the work. Just don't have the money now. I'm looking at protecting my interest. It's only about $1500.

   Lessons learned hard. All work since has had a contract.

   There seems to be an exception to lien notices in contracts if the contractor doesn't contract with any subs or suppliers. Since I didn't, I figure I have the right to file one.

   I got licensed and into bigger jobs now.

   GaryGeneral ContractorMinneapolis MNwww.Handy-Werks.com

1. 
   SamT | Sep 13, 2003 05:04pm | #6

   Be sure to check the laws in MN. here in MO we have to file a notice of intent to lien when we start the job.

   SamT

   "You will do me the justice to remember that I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his opinion, however different that opinion may be to mine. He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."   Thomas Paine

2. 
   goldhiller | Sep 13, 2003 05:58pm | #7

   I filed one, but just once. Then sent notice to the dude that I had. I asked him in that correspondence if he was familar with the potential repercussions to his line of credit etc. Then suggested that he contact his banker and attorney for the lowdown.

   Check arrived 3 days later.

   Then I had to file a "release of mechanics lien". If I didn't, I could end up in trouble. Didn't cost anything to file the release, $15 to file the lien as I did it myself.

   Maybe you'd best check too about the release form while you're at it. Could vary in your jurisdiction. Might as well get everything you need at once though. Forms were available here at the local office supply. 20 cents a pop.

   What a nuisance, but like you say.....best to cover your butt on this one. $1500 ain't chicken feed. It's $1500.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

3. 
   Piffin | Sep 13, 2003 05:03pm | #5

   I never had to actually file one. Closest I got was to stop by a job on friday PM to read the permit and write down the adress and lot #. Told the super that I needed it to file the lien on monday morning.

   I had the money by monday morning.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

4. 
   mrhodes | Sep 13, 2003 06:19pm | #8

   I just talked to a lawyer friend of mine here in Wv and he told me that we could file a lien up to 30 days after the last time we did work there.  So if we are close to our deadline and need more time, we just go back and piddle around for a couple of minutes.  Check with an attorney for sure.

5. 
   sawdustmaker | Sep 16, 2003 07:01am | #9

   In Michigan, and some other states, there is a construction lien set up in place of the mechanic's lien specifically for contractors. There are certain documents that have to be filed, such as a notice of furnishing, upon starting the job. You have 90 days from the last day worked or substantial completion to file a lien. That means you can't go back on the 89th day, pound a couple of nails, and extend your rights another 90 days. The owner has to be notified at the 60 day mark a notice of intent to file a lien. Contact a lawyer knowledgeable in the lien laws of your state.

1. 
   HandyWerks | Sep 16, 2003 03:24pm | #10

   It seems that MN doesn't have that.

   When I took classes for getting my contractor's license they told us we have 120 days to file a lien from the last day of work performed. That is what the statutes say too. They said you can't run out and put a nail in. It has to be substantive work.General ContractorMinneapolis MNwww.Handy-Werks.com

6. 
   Texfan | Sep 16, 2003 06:24pm | #11

   Check http://www.lectlaw.com . Looks like it might cost $10. Good site for all sorts of reasons. Most forms are free.

   "I am not young enough to know everything."

   - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)