Payment protection changes at every state line. We don't do generic.
Construction lien rules and deadlines vary by state. We specialize in the states we serve, so your filing is built around that state’s specific requirements.
Where we work
States We Currently Serve
Pick your state to see its deadlines, requirements, and how to file.
Alabama
Subs and suppliers file within 4 months, original contractors within 6 months, and suit is due 6 months after the debt matures.
California
Preliminary notice within 20 days of first furnishing. Record the lien within 90 days of completion (30 or 60 days after a recorded notice of completion). Sue within 90 days of recording.
Connecticut
Notice of intent and lien within 90 days after you stop work. Serve the owner within 30 days. Foreclose within 1 year.
Georgia
Notice to Contractor within 30 days (when an NOC is filed), file the lien within 90 days of completion, sue within 365 days of filing.
Illinois
Subs: 90-day notice to owner and lender after your last work. Everyone: record the lien within 4 months of completion. Sue within 2 years.
Indiana
90 days to file (60 on homes). The recorder mails the owner. One year to sue.
Kansas
Subs and suppliers file within 3 months, original contractors within 4 months, and a notice of extension can stretch either to 5 months on non-residential jobs.
Louisiana
Private jobs: file a statement of claim within 60 days after completion (6 or 7 months if a notice of contract is filed) and sue within 1 year. Public jobs: file a sworn statement within 45 days after recorded acceptance.
Michigan
20-day Notice of Furnishing. 90 days to record. One year to enforce.
Missouri
Original contractors: Notice to Owner before the first payment. Subs and suppliers: 10-day notice before filing. File the lien within 6 months. Sue within 6 months of filing.
Nevada
Notice of right to lien covers work from 31 days back. Record the lien within 90 days of completion or last work (40 days after a valid notice of completion). Sue within 6 months of recording.
New Jersey
Commercial: lodge the lien within 90 days of last work and sue within 1 year. Residential: Notice of Unpaid Balance within 60 days, arbitration demand within 10 days, lien within 120 days.
North Carolina
Notice to Lien Agent within 15 days of first furnishing. Claim of lien within 120 days of last furnishing. Lawsuit within 180 days.
Ohio
21-day Notice of Furnishing. 75 days to file (60 on homes). Serve within 30.
Oklahoma
Pre-lien notice within 75 days, sub lien within 90 days, original contractor lien within 4 months of last furnishing. Sue within 1 year of filing.
Pennsylvania
Subs give a formal notice of intent 30 days before filing. File the claim within 6 months after completing your work. Serve notice of filing within 1 month.
Rhode Island
Direct contractors: give the Notice of Possible Mechanic’s Lien before work starts. Everyone: mail and record the Notice of Intention within 200 days. Sue and record lis pendens within 40 days after recording.
South Carolina
Serve and file the lien within 90 days after your last work. Sue and file a lis pendens within 6 months.
Tennessee
Subs and suppliers: Notice of Nonpayment within 90 days after each unpaid month, Notice of Lien within 90 days after completion, suit within 90 days after serving the lien.
Utah
File a preliminary notice in the State Construction Registry within 20 days of starting work, record the lien within 180 days of final completion (90 days after a notice of completion), and sue within 180 days of recording.
Virginia
Record the memorandum within 90 days after the end of the month of last work (and within 90 days of completion), then sue within 6 months of recording or 60 days of completion, whichever is later.
Wisconsin
Residential subs: 60-day notice to owner. Everyone: 30-day notice of intent, then file the lien within 6 months of last work.
Don’t see your state? Contact us to see if we can help.
Resources
The deadlines, lookups, and answers you need to protect your payment, organized by the state where you’re working.
Michigan Resources
Resources specific to filing and protecting payment rights in Michigan.
Search Michigan Contractor Disciplinary Actions
Review official state records to see if a Michigan contractor has faced any state-level penalties, fines, or regulatory enforcement.
License Verification
Verify a Michigan contractor’s license before you work with them.
Check Municipal Codes & Ordinances
Review local municipal codes and city ordinances to ensure full compliance with regional building regulations, zoning laws, and permit requirements.
Michigan Construction Lien Act
Review the Michigan Construction Lien Act, which governs lien rights, notices, deadlines, and payment for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers.
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