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Frequently Asked Questions about Mechanics Liens

Q: What legal services do the law offices of Leonard J. Catanzaro provide?

A: Mechanics liens, lien foreclosure, litigation, lawsuits, trials, arbitration, payment bond claims, surety bonds, Federal Miller Act claims.

Q: Who should file a mechanic's lien?

A: General contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers who have not been paid on a commercial, city, private or residential job, and want to protect their money. Also, architects can file liens just like contractors.

Q: What is a mechanic's lien?

A: A mechanic's lien encumbers the property and restrains city funds so the contractor gets paid.

Q: How much does it cost to file a mechanic's lien?

A: A mechanic's lien is only $385, calculated as follows: $350 - attorney's fee; $35 court filing fee.

Q: When should I file a mechanics lien in New York?

A: On a commercial or private job, a mechanic's lien must be filed within eight (8) months from the last date labor or materials were provided; 4 months if the property is a 1 family house. City public improvement liens must be filed with the city agency and the New York City Department of Finance within thirty (30) days from when the project is completed and accepted.

WARNING!

Even if you file a mechanic's lien within the legal time limits you may not be protecting your money if the general contractor was paid out by the owner or city agency before you filed. The solution is to file a mechanic's lien while doing the work or as soon as you suspect a problem.