Costa Mesa Mechanics Liens Lawyer

Costa Mesa Mechanics Liens Attorney

When contractors or suppliers claim they have not received payment for their work, they can petition the court to place a lien on the property. In Costa Mesa, including neighborhoods like Eastside Costa Mesa and Mesa Verde, resolving a mechanic’s lien dispute can be a complex legal undertaking. A Costa Mesa mechanics’ liens lawyer can help you navigate each stage of the process while protecting your rights and financial interests.

A Trusted Team of Construction Law Attorneys Serving Costa Mesa

At Engels-Janzen, our construction law attorneys know what is at stake in mechanic’s lien matters. With decades of combined experience, we have guided clients through the complexities of these cases with a clear focus on results. What sets us apart is our dedication to understanding our clients. From the start, we take the time to learn about your business, background, and objectives.

With this insight, we craft a strategy designed to advance your interests in court while safeguarding what you have built. We refuse to settle for quick fixes when your company and reputation are on the line. Trust our attorneys to provide strong, results-oriented representation that reflects your priorities.

Services We Offer

At Engels-Janzen, we assist Laguna Beach contractors and property owners in resolving issues involving mechanic’s liens, stop payment notices, and bond claims. Every case is handled with the goal of protecting your financial recovery and legal position.

We represent clients in mechanic’s lien matters from initial filing to enforcement, helping secure payment for services, labor, or materials. Our team prepares and serves 20-day preliminary notices to safeguard lien rights.

We can also issue stop payment notices in both public and private projects to prevent the release of funds until the dispute is settled. Our lawyers also review construction contracts to verify compliance with California Business and Professions Code 7159, strengthening your ability to enforce a lien when needed.

Understanding Mechanics’ Liens in Costa Mesa

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim that allows laborers, suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors to secure compensation for their labor or the materials they provided during construction or renovations. This “hold” can prevent a property owner from selling or refinancing the building until the debt is resolved. In some cases, the process can lead to foreclosure to satisfy the unpaid amount.

Construction remains bustling across Costa Mesa. The city has been allocated 11,760 new housing units to plan for under California’s State Housing Element Law, which requires local governments to prepare for their share of statewide housing needs as part of their General Plan. Across California, approximately 650,000 new housing units were authorized between 2019 and 2023.

When a mechanic’s dispute does arise, it is usually because contractors are seeking relief through the courts. According to the Contractors’ State License Board’s 2024 Quarterly Board Meeting Packet, there were about 245,000 active licensed contractors in California as of December 2024.

Why You Should Hire a Mechanics’ Liens Lawyer

Whether you are seeking a lien or disputing one, you shouldn’t wait to hire a mechanics’ liens lawyer. A Costa Mesa mechanics’ liens attorney brings years or decades of experience handling mechanics’ lien cases.

They can assess your case and listen to your goals before taking decisive action based on the state’s mechanic’s lien laws. Whether you are a property owner or contractor, they can work to secure a favorable outcome to your case through direct negotiations with the other party or by addressing the matter directly in court.

FAQs

Who Can File a Mechanic’s Lien in California?

Contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers who provide labor, services, or materials for a construction or improvement project can file a mechanic’s lien if they are not paid. Even designers or engineers may qualify if they are not compensated for their services. Filing the lien creates a legal claim against the property that pressures the property owner to pay their debts.

What Can I Recover Through a Lien?

If you are a contractor or supplier, you can be compensated for the value of your services and supplies. Contracts often serve as the basis for calculating what you are owed. If you have statements showing the value of the supplies you contributed and your normal hourly wage, you can work with your attorney to calculate what you are owed.

What Steps Are Involved in Filing a Mechanic’s Lien?

Filing a mechanic’s lien involves preparing a valid claim, ensuring the proper preliminary notice was given, and recording the lien within California’s strict deadlines. The paperwork must be filed with the county recorder’s office where the property is located. Missing deadlines or filing incorrectly can invalidate the lien, which is why many contractors rely on legal guidance throughout the process.

Can a Mechanic’s Lien Be Removed?

Yes. A lien can be released when the underlying debt is paid. If the original complaint was invalid or exaggerated, the lien can be invalidated through the courts. Property owners can also pursue a legal action to remove an unenforceable lien. Once those matters are resolved, the claimant files a lien release, which restores the property’s clear title and removes restrictions on the property.

Should I Work With a Laguna Beach Mechanics’ Liens Lawyer?

An attorney plays a critical role in protecting your rights and interests throughout the mechanic’s liens process. They can ensure compliance with California lien laws and remove an invalid lien quickly. Whichever side of the issue you are on, having an experienced lawyer representing you in court protects your legal and financial interests.

Work With an Experienced Costa Mesa Mechanic’s Liens Law Firm

Mechanic’s liens can help secure payment, but they must be filed and enforced correctly to be effective. At Engels-Janzen, we guide contractors, suppliers, and property owners through every stage of the process, from filing to resolution.

Our team of seasoned litigators includes a former construction contractor who brings decades of first-hand experience in the construction industry. When we accept a case, we ensure that our work meets California’s strict deadlines and procedural requirements. Trust Engels-Janzen to handle your mechanic’s lien matters with precision. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.