Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: Liens

The mechanic's lien laws require that the job involved be a work of improvement to real property. So, it's not so important that yours is a service company; what's important is the type of job and whether real estate is improved. I believe certain farming operations also count.

I suggest you get some local one-time advice on the process -- including the timing -- of the steps in filing and enforcing mechanics' liens. This could be a good one-time investment, then your office manager or contract supervisor could handle them in the future. Alternatively, there are some good paperbacks on contracting that cover California lien law adequately from a practical, layman's point of view.

Re: Liens

You are probably too late to file a Mechanic's Lien. The proceedure must be started within a short period of time.

You may need to file a suit (whether small claims or not depends on the amount) and get a judgment to attach a lien on property. A lis pendance is also a posibility.