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ARTICLE · 26 SEPTEMBER 2012

Avoiding Mechanics' Liens – A Checklist For Owners

Thompson Coburn LLP
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Owners of construction projects, and their lenders, are frequently anxious about the prospect of mechanics' liens being filed against their property.

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Paul Macon
Paul Macon
Katharine Jones
Katharine Jones
Walter Cupkovic
Walter Cupkovic
Jack Parrino
Jack Parrino
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Owners of construction projects, and their lenders, are frequently anxious about the prospect of mechanics' liens being filed against their property. Whether filed during the course of construction or afterwards, these actions can be distressing for owners, especially if all the money allocated to the project has already been paid out. Mechanics' lien laws vary from state to state. In some states, contractors and subcontractors must overcome procedural hurdles to file a lien, a process that can act as a safeguard for owners. Regardless of state-specific lien laws, the following checklist will provide a few simple steps that owners can take to protect their projects from mechanics' liens:

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