Legal Question in Real Estate Law in District of Columbia

Real Estae Fraud

What is the best way to file a property lien? Also, what course of action do you advise in the following situation:

I have a formal partnership agreement signed by both parties to invest & purchase a certain property. This was to occur in 9/01. To date & despite numerous request, I have not received any confirmation that 1)certain property was purchased; 2) any information to file with my FY01 taxes validating the investment; 3) any assurance that the transaction did a/o is schedule to take place.

I consider this a fraudulent act & plan to do the following:

1) file a lien against certain property since it it is still either government-owned a/o the title has been placed in the name of an employee of my supposed partner; 2) file a suit in small claims court to recover my $11,500.00 investment.

Please advise.


Asked on 4/24/02, 11:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Press Chung & Press, P.C.

Re: Real Estae Fraud

You can't just place a lien on property. You have to sue and get a judgment. If the claim relates to title to the actual property, you may be able to file a notice of lis pendens to tie up the property pending the litigation. If it is government owned, I doubt you can do that, however. You should retain counsel immediately to pursue this - $11,500 is more than you can file in small claims court.

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Answered on 4/24/02, 12:23 pm


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