When owners file bankruptcy or projects otherwise go south, lien priority often comes to the forefront. The idea is relatively simple. Priority is how courts determine which creditors get paid first. This often pits lenders against M&M lien claimants. For lenders, their liens typically arise when they record their deeds of trust. However, for M&M… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Liens
Subscribe to Liens RSS FeedFiling a Lien When the Work is Done for a Tenant Rather Than an Owner
Posted in LiensCommercial landlords often allow commercial tenants to construct a buildout tailored to their business (e.g., retail stores, restaurants, redesigning office space, etc.) Such tenants hire general contractors who in turn hire subcontractors and suppliers. What lien rights do such subcontractors and suppliers have?
How to Perfect and Enforce a Mineral Lien: 6 Steps
Posted in LiensIf you furnish labor or materials to an oil or gas well and are not paid, then you should consider filing a mineral lien. Below are the steps to perfect a mineral lien.
Collecting Attorney Fees for Lien and Bond Claims
Posted in Bonds, LiensPreviously, Texas law provided that a court “may” award costs and reasonable attorney fees in a suit to foreclose a lien, enforce a payment bond claim or declare a lien to be invalid to the extent that such costs and reasonable attorney fees were “equitable and just”. The use of the word “may” allowed courts… Continue Reading
The New Lien Waiver Form Prevents Subs and Suppliers from being Strong Armed
Posted in LiensHistorically, subcontractors and suppliers were compelled to sign onerous and overreaching lien waivers and releases in order to receive payment. In addition, many subcontracts contain lien waivers lurking in the boiler plate. Consequently, subcontractors often do not realize they have agreed to these clauses until it is too late. Texas law was recently changed to… Continue Reading
Why Delivery Tickets Matter
Posted in Bonds, LiensPaperwork can win or lose a lawsuit. This is especially so in construction litigation. To be entitled to a lien, bond, or any other claim for payment for materials delivered to a construction project, you are not required to show the materials you furnished were installed on the project. However, you must show the materials… Continue Reading
Mineral Liens: An Underused Tool
Posted in LiensIf you provide services or supplies in the oil field, you should have at least a basic understanding of Texas mineral liens because filing a mineral lien may help your bottom line someday. Who can file a mineral lien? A mineral contractor or subcontractor may file a lien to secure payment for labor or services related to the mineral activities. These… Continue Reading
What you need to know about Texas Constitutional Liens
Posted in LiensIn some circumstances one who is normally a subcontractor (e.g., electrician or plumber) may have a direct contract with the owner of the property. If you have a direct contractual relationship with the owner, you will be considered to be an “original contractor” and you may have a constitutional lien. The constitutional lien attaches to… Continue Reading
Mechanic’s Liens: Finding your way through the Maze
Posted in LiensIf you are a subcontractor or supplier and you ignore your lien rights, you are losing money. A mechanic lien is a subcontractor’s and supplier’s best friend because it allows you to secure your debt by filing a lien against any private real property that you’ve furnished labor and/or materials to improve. The reason many… Continue Reading
Rights and Remedies to Help Subcontractors and Suppliers Collect Payment
Posted in Bonds, Collection, LiensNonpayment is the biggest threat to most subcontractors’ and suppliers’ bottom lines. Nonpayment frequently occurs in the construction and oil and gas industries because most goods and services are sold on credit. C.O.D. sales are uncommon and payment upfront is almost unheard of. Because of this practice, nonpayment is one of the most common legal… Continue Reading