Matthew S. Payne is a Schaumburg-based attorney with a 20-year record of success in civil litigation, real estate law and estate planning.

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Skillfully Handling Mechanic’s Liens Issues

A mechanic’s lien is a vital tool created to protect the rights and interests of contractors and subcontractors who provide labor and/or materials to both new construction and existing projects. If you are a contractor or subcontractor and have not been paid for your services, you may be able to enforce a mechanic’s lien and collect payment. However, the prerequisites, particularly the notice requirements for a valid and enforceable mechanics lien are strict. You must adhere to the letter of the law, because as a statutory creation, the requirements must be followed precisely, or your lien may be unenforceable and you may be left unable to collect money for the labor and/or materials you provided. You want and need an experienced attorney — one with extensive experience in construction litigation and construction law — to help you throughout the process, from the time you file the initial lien through any efforts to collect under it, including litigation.

Do not lose your rights and protections to be paid for your materials and your labor. You have the right to a mechanic’s lien under the law. At The Payne Law Office, Chartered, we can help you properly enforce the laws and protections afforded you so that you do not lose money. Contact The Payne Law Office, Chartered, today by calling us at 773-897-5803 or toll free at 888-827-3077.

Comprehensive Mechanic’s Lien Representation

Representing contractors and subcontractors in perfecting, enforcing and collecting under a mechanic’s lien is something our lawyers excel in. We can assist you with the following aspects of mechanic’s liens:

  • Notice requirements, including 60- and 90-day notices for subcontractors
  • Filing requirements
  • Proper drafting of a mechanics lien
  • Rights of general contractors
  • Rights of subcontractors
  • Foreclosure of mechanic’s liens
  • Construction litigation
  • Residential real estate
  • Landlord-tenant issues

Ensuring That You Get Paid

A mechanic’s lien can be a highly effective tool when used to protect contractor’s or subcontractor’s rights, especially when you have provided materials and/or labor to a new or existing construction site. However, the pertinent laws involved with establishing a valid and enforceable mechanics lien are complex and rigid. If you fail to comply with the applicable law, you may not be able to enforce your lien or collect payment.

We work with many contractors and subcontractors before a project begins, helping make certain that the proper notices are provided to homeowners or others, including:

  • The 60-day notice (from the date work begins for subcontractors), for the type, amount and cost of work
  • The 90-day notice of completion of work (for subcontractors), for the amount owed as of completion

We will also see that your lien is properly recorded within four months of the completion of work, so that you receive proper priority in any claims against the property owner, the general contractor (if you are a subcontractor) or the owner’s lender.

It is crucial that you follow the notice and filing requirements under the mechanic’s lien laws. These are critical elements, essential to your ability to protect your rights and collect under a mechanic’s lien. If you believe your property rights are at risk, do not delay in obtaining legal representation.

Owners
For owners of real property facing a mechanic’s lien claim, we provide comprehensive representation in defense of the contractor’s or subcontractor’s lien, including demands for suit and release, counterclaims for breach of contract and quiet title, and all aspects involved to ensure that the title to your real estate will be free and clear of the contractor’s or subcontractor’s lien.

Contact Attorney Matthew S. Payne

We offer a consultation to clients in Schaumburg and throughout Illinois. To set up an appointment, contact The Payne Law Office, Chartered or call us at 773-897-5803 or toll free at 888-827-3077. We are conveniently located on the near Northwest Side, with easy access to the courthouses in Skokie, Rolling Meadows and Maywood, as well as the Daley Center. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

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