Claim of Lien

This document is a standardized template used to assert lien rights when a company or person has provided labor, materials, products, or services for a property improvement and has not been fully paid. It follows substantially the following form: identify the claimant and the party the lien is claimed against, detail the work performed, list the first and last dates on the site, and calculate the unpaid balance. It also calls for the legal description of the property, job numbers, invoices, and other records that substantiate the total lien amount. By completing these sections accurately and attaching proof, the claimant seeks to secure a valid lien against the real property.

The template anticipates that supporting documents will be attached, including invoices, contracts, and documentation for subcontractors and laborers, with all line items and hourly rates. It also references proof of service of a notice of furnishing, when required by law, and directs that service be made in the manner provided by statute. After preparation, the claimant signs-often through an authorized agent-and may need to appear before a notary public.

To have the lien recorded, the claimant typically files the completed form with the county clerk's office so the record is indexed against the property owner and the legal description. If the amount remains unpaid after the lien is recorded, the claimant may request relief in court and, in some cases, seek to foreclose the lien interest. The validity of the filing hinges on accurate facts, correct amounts, proper service, and adherence to deadlines prescribed by law.

Common use cases include a general contractor who completed a tenant improvement but was not fully paid, a subcontractor whose change order was approved but still outstanding, or a supplier who delivered materials to a construction lien project where only part of the account was paid. In each example, the form guides the claimant to file the necessary details in a clear, substantially complete manner that supports the request for payment.

Proposal Kit can streamline this process with document assembly that produces forms in consistent, professional layouts, automated line-item quoting to match the calculations shown here, an AI Writer to build supporting documents and narratives, and an extensive template library. These tools help teams produce accurate paperwork quickly and with ease of use.

Beyond the basics, this template serves as a credit-control tool for any person or company that furnished labor or materials to a property improvement and remains unpaid. It emphasizes dates of first and last work performed on the site, the legal description, and a clear calculation of what is still owed. To create a valid lien, the claimant should file the completed form, attach supporting invoices, and serve the property owner and any other required parties in the manner provided by law.

Errors such as an incorrect legal description, failing to serve parties, or an incomplete notary public acknowledgment can jeopardize the validity of the lien. After the lien is recorded by the county clerk's office, the owner may request an accounting, negotiate payment, or contest the filing in court; if payment is not made, the claimant may pursue an action to foreclose. When paid, a release should be prepared in substantially the following form to clear title.

For contractors, suppliers, and consultants, this process supports cash flow and sets expectations across prime contracts and subcontracts. Typical situations include progress-billing disputes, retainage held after substantial completion, or change orders that were approved but not paid. The form also clarifies the role of an agent authorized to sign and the requirement to identify the party the lien is claimed against.

Proposal Kit can help teams assemble substantially complete, consistent documents quickly. Its document assembly and extensive template library support cover sheets, exhibits, and organized schedules; automated line-item quoting mirrors the detailed calculations; and the AI Writer can write summaries of work performed, notices, and other supporting narratives. Together, these capabilities streamline preparation so you can file, serve, and manage documentation with greater ease.

Further details in the template help organizations maintain a precise audit trail. It captures Received to Date and Total Lien Claim, including taxes and delivery costs, so the unpaid portion is clear. It asks for the job title of the signer and an authorized signature by an agent, reinforcing accountability.

The inclusion of Recording Requester, mailing instructions, and city, state, and zip fields makes it easier to file with the county clerk's office and to have the lien recorded against the correct property owner. A complete notary public acknowledgment strengthens the validity of a construction lien, and attaching a proof of service of a notice of furnishing, when applicable, shows the claimant honored the manner provided by statute.

The form also anticipates complex scenarios: multiple invoices, change orders, subcontractor and labor claims, and hourly rate breakdowns tied to specific job numbers and the site where the work was performed. This supports a valid lien even when an improvement spans phases or involves several tiers of participants. From a business perspective, this documentation can prompt quicker resolution because it gives the owner enough detail to review, request clarifications, and get the claim paid. It also positions the claimant to pursue court remedies to foreclose if necessary, without reassembling facts later.

Use cases include a supplier seeking payment after phased deliveries, a specialty subcontractor documenting extra work under a change directive, or a contractor closing out retainage while certifying last dates of work. Proposal Kit can help teams assemble these materials in a consistent package, with automated line-item quoting to mirror the totals and an AI Writer to write narratives, cover letters, and supporting summaries. Its extensive template library and ease of use streamline how you prepare, file, and serve well-organized claims.

How to write my Claim of Lien document - The Narrative

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