Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...

Getting Rid of a Mechanic's Lien

Before I say anything, I want to remind builders that mechanic's lien law is state specific. I only know how they work in Massachusetts.

It is not easy to follow the mechanic's lien process properly. For contractors, it can be complicated, and it is very easy to make a mistake. Many attorneys do not get it right. So, there are opportunities along the way for a lien to be subject to being dissolved. The problem is, they do not self-extinguish. A document has to be filed with the registry of deeds to put the public on notice that the lien is no longer valid.

The simplest way to dissolve a lien is by agreement. The parties come up with a way to resolve their dispute, and a Notice of Dissolution is filed by the contractor.

The next "easiest" is for the owner to post a bond. The reason I put "easiest" in quotes is because this can be quite expensive. So, although the process is easy, the price is not. The fee I have encountered is about 10% of the value of the lien.

If the lien is not perfected, that is it has not been filed properly, or the contractor has failed to file suit on time, or file an attested copy of the complaint with the registry of deeds, then the homeowner can file an action in court to have the lien removed.

Here's the process in Massachusetts:

Chapter 254: Section 15A. Application to court for order ruling on or discharging lien

Section 15A. If any person in interest, including but not limited to an owner, contractor, or mortgage holder, claims (a) that any person who has provided labor or materials or has agreed to provide funding, financing or payment for labor or materials, refuses to continue to provide such funding, financing or payments of labor or materials solely because of the filing or recording of a notice of contract pursuant to section two or a statement of claim referencing a lien under section one, or (b) it appears from the notice of contract or a statement of account that the claimant has no valid lien by reason of the character of, or the contract for, the labor or materials or rental equipment, appliances or tools furnished and for which a lien is claimed, or (c) that a notice or other instrument has not been filed or recorded in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter, or (d) that for any other reason a claimed lien is invalid by reason of failure to comply with any provision of this chapter, or (e) that any party’s rights are foreclosed by a judgment or release, or (f) that any party wrongfully refuses to execute a notice of completion as required by section two A or improperly files or records a notice of termination under section two B, such person may apply to the superior court for the county where such land lies or in the district court in the judicial district where such land lies, for an order (i) ruling on the matter involved or (ii) summarily discharging of record the alleged lien or notice as the case may be. The holder of any recorded mortgage upon the affected property shall receive notice of and be entitled to appear and be heard in any proceeding brought under this section. An order of notice to appear and show cause why the relief demanded in the complaint should not be granted shall be served upon the necessary parties no later than seven days prior to the date of the scheduled hearing. If the necessary parties cannot be found, such service may be made as the court shall direct. The application shall be made upon a verified complaint accompanied by other written proof of the facts upon which the application is made. Upon granting or denying the application, the court shall enter a final judgment on the matter involved or expeditiously order such further proceedings as are just. Chapter 254: Section 15A. Application to court for order ruling on or discharging lien

So, the owner has to file a lawsuit, notify the mortgage holder and serve all the parties, and attend a hearing. This is not an inexpensive process, but may be necessary if the owner is trying to refinance, obtain a mortgage or sell the property.

It is always less expensive to try to resolve disputes in order to remove a lien from one's property. However, when necessary, there are other options that will obtain the same result.

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