
What Happens After You File a Lien?
From Construction Legal Made Easy by Karalynn Cromeens
April 20, 2026 · 13 min · Season 2 · Episode 16
About this episode
Karalynn Cromeens explains the importance of mechanics liens in securing payment for construction work and the legal implications involved.
Liens are your leverage. Karalynn breaks down what a mechanics lien is, how it secures your work, when to file even if payment is "on the way," why liens do not stop a project, and what it means when someone bonds around your lien so you actually collect. Grab Karalynn's new book Trust Your Gut here . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on Facebook here . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on Instagram here . Follow Karalynn Cromeens on LinkedIn here . Watch the show on YouTube here . Learn more about The Cromeens Law Firm here , and subscribe to our newsletter ! Key Takeaways 1. A mechanics lien is a security interest in the property for the value of labor and materials you actually provided, not for loans or amounts beyond the work you performed. 2. Liens convert an unsecured debt into secured debt, giving you a direct claim against the property in addition to any breach of contract claim you have against the party who hired you. 3. Because a lien is an involuntary interest in someone else's property, every state has strict notice, content, filing, and deadline requirements you must follow to keep it valid. 4. You should still send notices and file your lien on time even if you have been promised…
People in this episode
Host: Karalynn Cromeens
Topics covered
- mechanics lien
- construction law
- debt security
- legal requirements
- payment disputes
Keywords
- mechanics lien
- construction payment
- legal advice
- debt security
- bonding around lien
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Cromeens Law Firm
Products: Trust Your Gut
More episodes of Construction Legal Made Easy
- Stop Working When They Don't Pay · June 8, 2026 · 6 min
- TRUST YOUR GUT: Chapter Thirteen, Ignoring a Demand Letter Costed Him $100,000 · June 1, 2026 · 18 min
- TRUST YOUR GUT: Chapter Twelve, Stop Warranty Work On Unpaid Jobs · May 25, 2026 · 10 min
- Stop Gambling with OSHA: Practical Safety for Small and Mid-Sized Contractors · May 18, 2026 · 30 min
- TRUST YOUR GUT: Chapter Eleven, Get Paid When Clients Cancel · May 11, 2026 · 9 min
- TRUST YOUR GUT: Chapter Ten, How a Standards Clause Protects Your Work · May 4, 2026 · 10 min
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