Contractors and subcontractors in most states have a powerful legal tool at their disposal. If they’re not paid, they can file a lien on the real property where the work took place. That lien can serve as at least a partial guarantee that the contractor will be paid for work done on the property. Generally, the requirements for filing a valid lien are similar to those in my home state of Michigan. Here in Michigan, you must file your Claim of Lien with the Registrar of Deeds within 90 days of the last day that you worked there or, if you supplied materials, the last day you supplied them. Some states use 45 days, some 60,
