Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about mechanics liens, preliminary notices, and how LienShield helps contractors get paid.
1.How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Texas?
In Texas, original contractors generally have until the 15th day of the fourth month after the month their work was completed, terminated, or abandoned. Subcontractors and suppliers have until the 15th day of the third month. LienShield calculates the exact date for your project and sends pre-deadline alerts.
2.Do I need to send a preliminary notice in California?
Yes. California requires a 20-day Preliminary Notice from anyone other than the original direct contractor (and even direct contractors must send it for projects with construction lenders). The notice must be served within 20 days of first furnishing labor or materials. LienShield generates the notice and tracks the deadline automatically.
3.How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Florida?
Florida lienors have 90 days from their final furnishing of labor, services, or materials to record a Claim of Lien in the county where the property is located. A Notice to Owner must also be served within 45 days of first furnishing for most lienors not in privity with the owner. LienShield handles both deadlines.
4.Can I file a mechanics lien without a written contract?
In most jurisdictions, yes — an oral contract or implied contract supported by evidence (invoices, communications, change orders) is enough to support a lien claim. A few states require written authorization for certain residential work. LienShield's evidence vault keeps your supporting records organized in case the lien is challenged.
5.What happens if I miss the lien deadline?
Missing the statutory deadline almost always extinguishes your lien rights for that project — courts strictly enforce the dates. You may still have other remedies (breach of contract, payment bond claim, prompt-payment-act penalty) but the lien itself is gone. That's why LienShield treats deadline alerts as a critical-path feature.
6.What's the difference between a preliminary notice and a mechanics lien?
A preliminary notice is the early warning shot — sent before any dispute, it tells the property owner and lender you're working on the project so they can protect their payment chain. A mechanics lien is the enforcement tool — recorded against the property after a payment dispute to force payment or sale. Most states require the preliminary notice as a precondition to a valid lien.
7.Does LienShield work in every state?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC. The platform encodes per-state statutes for preliminary notices, mechanics liens, notices of intent, lien releases, and demand letters. Filing instructions surface the correct recorder office, fee range, notarization rules, and verification requirements for the project's jurisdiction.
8.Who actually files the lien with the county recorder?
LienShield generates and packages the recording-ready PDF; you (or your office manager) take it to the county recorder, file electronically where available, or mail it per the state's service rules. We surface the recorder address and accepted formats. A few states have Little Miller Act bond claims that go to the public-entity bond surety instead of a recorder — LienShield routes those automatically.
9.Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. Cancel anytime from the Settings page — no contract, no termination fee. Your existing filings stay accessible at any plan tier, including Free.
10.Is LienShield a law firm?
No. LienShield is a self-service legal-document platform — we generate state-compliant forms based on the project information you provide. For specific legal advice (litigation, complex enforcement, contested liens) you should retain a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. The platform pairs well with attorneys: many of our customers use it to prepare the paperwork and route the final action through counsel.
Still have questions?
Reach the team directly — most answers come back within one business day.