Mechanic's Lien Attorney
in Dover, DE

A Mechanic's Lien Is An Important Tool

At Schmittinger and Rodriguez, we understand the importance of a Delaware mechanic’s lien and it can help protect you if someone doesn’t pay for your services. We have been helping clients in Dover, Delaware with their mechanic’s lien needs since 1961. Whether you are a contractor, subcontractor, supplier or material man, our experienced attorneys can help ensure that you get paid for the work you have performed.

We can help with filing a mechanic’s lien, negotiating and settling disputes, releasing liens, and enforcing judgments. We also handle all other types of construction-related legal matters including contract drafting and review, bonding claims, payment and collection issues, bid protests, and also the sum of any obligations and rights due to the lien.

What Is A Mechanic's Lien Claim In Delaware?

A mechanic’s lien claim provides contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and any other person or entity that provided construction management services with a way to secure payment for their work or materials. It is a lien that is placed on a property by a construction professional or supplier who has not received full payment for their services or goods. Here are some key points to know about Delaware mechanic’s liens in Delaware:

    • Who can file: A Delaware mechanic’s lien can be filed by anyone who has provided labor or materials for a construction project in Delaware. This includes general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and even architects or engineers who have worked on the project.

    • How it works: To file a claim, the contractor or supplier must provide notice to the property owner that they have not received full payment for their work or materials. They must then file a lien with the county recorder’s office within 90 days of the last day they provided services or materials.

    • Effect on the property: Once a claim is filed, it becomes a cloud on the title of the property, meaning that it could affect the owner’s ability to sell or refinance the property until the lien is satisfied.

    • Deadline for enforcement: If a mechanic’s lien claim is not enforced within one year of the filing date, it becomes invalid and unenforceable.

    • Disputes and challenges: Property owners can challenge a mechanic’s lien if they believe it is invalid or if they have already paid the contractor or supplier. Contractors or suppliers can also challenge a claim if they believe it was filed improperly or if the amount claimed is inaccurate.

Mechanic’s lien claims in Delaware are a powerful tool for construction professionals and suppliers to protect their right to payment. However, they must be filed properly and within the legal timeframes to be enforceable.

What Labor And Costs Are Covered Under A Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic’s lien claim can cover both labor and materials that were provided for a construction project. Here is a breakdown of what labor and costs are covered under a claim:

    1. Labor: The labor that can be covered under a Mechanics Lien Claim includes any work that was done on the construction project by contractors or subcontractors. This includes all types of construction work, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, roofing, and more.

    2. Materials: The materials that can be covered under a Mechanics Lien Claim include any materials that were provided for the construction project, such as lumber, concrete, roofing materials, plumbing supplies, and more.

    3. Equipment rental: If a contractor rented equipment to complete the project, the rental costs can also be included in the Mechanics Lien Claim.

    4. Design services: If an architect or engineer provided design services for the project, their fees can also be included in the Mechanics Lien Claim.

    5. Permits and fees: If the contractor had to pay for permits or other fees related to the construction project, these costs can also be included in the Mechanics Lien Claim.

It’s important to note that the amount claimed in the lien claim must be reasonable and based on the fair market value of the labor and materials provided. If the amount claimed is found to be excessive or unreasonable, it could affect the validity of the lien.

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What Our Clients Say

Brian Jenkins
2023-10-05
Mr Catts went above and beyond to handle my complicated case. The level of professionalism is second to none. The staff and Mr. Catts were kind, courteous, and listened to my concerns with compassion. I would recomend this firm to anyone needing legal help. They earned my trust in am amazing way.
Linda Wilson
2023-10-04
Mr Catts and his legal team went above and beyond for me. They never stopped pursuing all avenues to get the compensation that I deserved. The staff was courteous and showed compassion. I felt like they really cared about my injuries. I highly recommend their services to anyone
Tatiana Sida-Amor
2023-09-17
I was recommended to this law office by my doctor after my car accident in the summer of 2021. I ended up working with Mr. Catts. I appreciate how forthcoming and hardworking he was about my case. The office is extremely professional to ensure that I got the best settlement that I could get. The open communication eased my mind and allowed me to handle things I needed to for myself. Definitely recommend them if you want lawyers that give you results.
Kathyjo Mays
2023-09-07
I recommend them highly and have referred them to many of my friends and family. Very informative and def kept me up to date about my case. Schmittinger & Rodriguez def worked very hard for me.
Mary Zober
2023-09-06
The staff is friendly and makes you feel comfortable. The firm worked on getting my settlement and kept me informed every step of the way.
Sharonda goode
2023-08-15
Great experience! Doug Catts, Ryan and Ms. Kaye are awesome to work with. Very professional, friendly & knowledgeable. They are expensive. But get the job done & in a timely manner. I use Mr. Catts for all my legal needs.
Hot Box237
2023-08-15
I will recommend this lawyer to any one, I feel like crying. He is kind, patient and a good listener. He solved your problem and at the end advice you. Thank you very much.
Cheryl Rowe
2023-08-15
Doug is personable…assertive and he will get the job done!
Patsy Ware
2023-08-14
Schmittinger and Rodriquez attorney Doug Catts is the best, I highly recommend him. As an attorney he is forthright, honest, transparent and sincere. Doug Catts and his staff are amazing.

How Can A Mechanic's Liens
Lawyer Help Me?

A mechanic’s lien lawyer can be an invaluable resource when dealing with mechanic’s lien claims in Delaware. Here are some ways that a mechanic’s lien lawyer can help you:

Hiring an experienced Mechanic’s Lien lawyer can help you protect your rights and interests and ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your work or materials.

Can Property Be Sold With An Active Mechanic's Lien Claim?

If you have a mechanic’s lien claim, it could affect the ability of the property owner to sell the property. A mechanic’s lien claim creates a cloud on the title of the property, which means that the property owner cannot sell or refinance the property or such structure until the lien is satisfied or released.

To release the lien, the owner or such other representative must pay the amount claimed by the contractor or supplier who filed the lien. Once the payment is made, the contractor or supplier must release the lien in writing with a lien waiver. The release of the lien should be recorded with the county recorder’s office to clear the cloud on the title.

If the owner does not pay the amount claimed, the contractor or supplier who filed the lien can initiate a foreclosure action to force the sale of such property to satisfy the lien. The foreclosure action must be filed within 2 years of the filing of the mechanic’s lien claim.

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Why Schmittinger & Rodriguez
Is Right For You

At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, we understand the complex issues of Delaware mechanics liens. Our law firm and attorneys are well-versed and experienced in the practice of Delaware mechanic’s liens and related practice areas.

Our team has decades of combined experience handling a mechanic’s lien claim and we know how to effectively represent anyone involved in a construction job from the general contractors to construction management services or such lien creditors who need legal protection to be paid.

We have a deep understanding of Delaware law and will provide dedicated legal representation throughout your matter. Our attorneys are committed to providing you with personalized attention and will fight hard to get you the best possible outcome for your case. If you have a mechanic’s lien issue, contact Schmittinger & Rodriguez today for a consultation. YOUR CASE. OUR PRIORITY.

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