Legal Question in Construction Law in California

Re: Itemization of Mechanics Lien

you can request an "accounting" from either the contractors and/or the court if it comes down to that. the accounting would be a detailed explanation and rationalization of monies allegedly owed to them by you. if you would like further assistance, feel free to email me with the specifics of your case.

Re: Itemization of Mechanics Lien

Well, to start off, you have to be concerned about answering and defending the suit--you say it was 'filed,' but the important thing is whether and when it was served on you. You have a limited time to answer a summons and complaint. Failure to do so could result in a judgment or foreclosure proceeding.

A filed mechanic's lien is called a claim of lien, and must identify the claimant, the location or legal description of the property subject to the lien, and the amount claimed.

A suit to foreclose on a mechanic's lien would normally also involve the filing of a lis pendens (notice of pendency of action) against the property.

As far as I know, there is no obligation to itemize the claim of lien. Some claimants will do so, in the hope of settling the dispute or making a stonger case in court. However, your attorney can obtain all sorts of additional information from and about the claimant through the discovery process, which a defendant can begin as soon as served, even before filing his answer.

You need legal representation to avoid having your property encumbered with a lis pendens, defauly judgment and/or foreclosure proceeding. I suggest you present your situation to a real estate or construction law attorney in your county.