Free Tool · California Mechanics Lien Law

Lien Situation Navigator

Answer 6–8 questions about your construction dispute. In about two minutes, you'll get a plain-language summary of your legal position, your strongest next steps, and an honest recommendation on whether a consultation with an attorney makes sense for your situation.

Before you begin

This tool asks about your situation and uses your answers to identify general legal considerations under California mechanics lien law. It provides legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The output is an orientation — not a legal assessment of your specific rights.

The goal is to help you understand your situation more clearly and decide whether a free consultation with Bay Legal PC would be useful. Every result will include an honest recommendation on that question.

I understand this tool provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Question 1

Question 1 of 7

What is your situation?

Choose the one that best describes why you're here.

Question 2 of 7

How much are you owed?

Approximate total — include unpaid invoices, disputed amounts, and any deposits not returned.

Question 3 of 7

Did you serve a 20-day preliminary notice on the property owner, general contractor, and construction lender?

This written notice must be sent within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Direct contractors (those with a contract directly with the property owner) are exempt.

Question 4 of 7

Where are you in relation to your lien filing deadline?

Your deadline is 90 days from your last day of work (or 30 days from a Notice of Completion for subs and suppliers, 60 days for direct contractors).

Question 5 of 7

Do you have a written contract?

This includes signed proposals, work orders, or email agreements that specify the work and price — not just verbal agreements.

Question 6 of 7

Who is refusing to pay you?

This affects which legal remedies are most effective.

Question 7 of 7

Is this project financed by a construction loan?

A construction loan (bank financing the build) makes a stop payment notice especially powerful — it can freeze funds before they're disbursed to the GC.

Question 2 of 6

When was the lien recorded?

Check the recording date on the lien document from the county recorder.

Question 3 of 6

Do you believe you owe the money claimed in the lien?

Be honest — this affects your strongest strategy.

Question 4 of 6

Is the lien currently blocking a sale, refinancing, or construction loan draw?

A lien on your title can cause a title company to refuse to insure a sale, or a lender to freeze draws.

Question 5 of 6

Did the contractor or subcontractor who filed the lien serve a 20-day preliminary notice on you before filing?

This is a written notice sent within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. Direct contractors (those with a contract directly with you) are exempt from this requirement.

Question 6 of 6

What is the lien amount?

Position strength

Your strongest next steps — in order

This is general information — not legal advice. These factors and recommendations are based on general California mechanics lien law. Your specific facts, documents, and deadlines may change this picture significantly. A free consultation with Bay Legal PC will take 15–20 minutes and give you a clear, fact-specific assessment.

Send your situation summary to Bay Legal PC

Your situation assessment will be included automatically. A member of our team will review it before calling — so the consultation starts focused, not from scratch.

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By submitting, you authorize Bay Legal PC to contact you by phone or text. Text STOP to opt out. Submitting does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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