The Mississippi Claim of Lien is a legal document that allows a lien claimant, such as a contractor or subcontractor, to assert a right to payment for services rendered or materials supplied related to a property. This document serves as a notification to the property owner that a claim has been made against their property, which could impact their ability to sell or refinance it.
The Mississippi Claim of Lien should be used by individuals or businesses, including contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and other service providers, who have not received payment for work performed on a property. This document protects the claimant’s right to seek payment and can be an essential part of the payment recovery process.
A properly completed Mississippi Claim of Lien includes the following key components:
To complete the Mississippi Claim of Lien, follow these steps:
Ensure all information is accurate and complete to minimize issues in the claims process.
The Mississippi Claim of Lien is governed by state law under Mississippi Code Sec. 85-7-401 et seq. This claim provides a legal mechanism for individuals or businesses to secure payment for unpaid work or materials. Filing this claim places a cloud on the title of the property, which can motivate the property owner to settle the debt to clear the lien, thereby protecting the claimant's financial interests.
When completing a Mississippi Claim of Lien, be mindful of the following common mistakes:
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your claim remains valid and enforceable.
Where and how should you file the mechanics lien in Mississippi? The mechanics lien must be filed the chancery court where the project is located. You may have the mechanics lien recorded in the court by sending it via email together with the required lien fees, or you may also walk in and personally file it.
Who you are. The services or materials you provided. The last date you provided the services or materials. How much payment should be. The date on which you will file a lien if you do not receive payment. How the debtor should pay.
If you're claiming a lien on real property, it must be filed in the recorder's office of the county where the property is located. Expect to pay a filing fee between $25 and $50 depending on the location where you file.
Prepare the lien document, taking care to include all the necessary information set forth above including the required statements. Sign the document. Deliver the lien must the office of the clerk of the chancery court of the county where the property is located.
To place a lien, you must first demonstrate that you have a valid debt that has not been paid by the property holder for example if you performed construction work as a contractor or subcontractor at company headquarters and the business did not pay your bill.
A Lien Demand Letter or Notice of Intent to Lien is a formal demand for payment.A lien demand letter puts a debtor on notice of your intent to lien the job site property by a specific date deadline. Increase your odds of getting paid with a lien demand letter.
Formalize a defense for disputing the amount of the lien. Gather supporting documentation for your rebuttal, depending on the type of lien. Contact the agent representing the creditor to dispute the amount of the claim. Negotiate a payment settlement with the creditor if you cannot pay the amount you owe in full.
A lien is a claim on property to ensure payment of a debt. When you borrow money to purchase a car, the lender files a lien on the vehicle with the state to insure that if the loan defaults, the lender can take the car. When the debt is fully repaid, a release of the lien is provided by the lender.
Even though these states may permit project participants to secure lien rights and claim a mechanics lien even without a written contract, it is generally best practice to have a signed written contract for work provided.