Every month in California, contractors and subcontractors lose $75,000+ payments, not because the work wasn’t done or the materials weren’t delivered, but because they failed to navigate California’s labyrinthine lien requirements. Miss a preliminary notice deadline, serve the wrong party, or file in the wrong timeframe, and California courts will dismiss your claim without considering its merits.
In California, there are no do-overs. One missed step means walking away from everything you’re owed.
At The Cromeens Law Firm, we help Ontario construction professionals navigate California’s complex lien maze with a proven 90% success rate in collections before foreclosure becomes necessary.
A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim you file against a property when you haven’t been paid for work or materials provided. In California, it can:
However, California lien law is among the nation’s most complex laws. If your preliminary notice is late, your lien names the wrong parties, or you miss California’s unique procedural requirements, it can be thrown out, no matter how much you’re owed.
California’s deadlines vary by project type and create multiple opportunities for costly mistakes:
Private Projects: 90 days after completion of work
Private Projects with Notice of Completion: 60 days after notice is recorded
Public Projects: 90 days after completion
Preliminary Notices: Must be served within 20 days of first providing labor/materials
Stop Payment Notices: Can be filed anytime before the final payment
Lien Enforcement: 90 days from recording to file foreclosure
Missing any of these deadlines invalidates your lien rights, regardless of how strong your payment claim is.
Most invalid liens fail due to California’s technical complexity:
We don’t let that happen. Our attorneys personally verify every detail and handle all filings with San Bernardino County courts and the recorder’s offices.
California has the most complex lien system in the nation, governed by Civil Code Sections 8000-8484, making it particularly unforgiving for construction professionals:
Mandatory Preliminary Notices: Unlike most states, California requires preliminary notices on virtually all projects, regardless of contract amount. These must be served within 20 days of first providing labor or materials, with no exceptions.
Multiple Deadline Scenarios: California’s completion dates vary dramatically based on whether a Notice of Completion is filed, creating confusion about which deadline applies to your specific project.
Complex Service Requirements: California requires service on property owners, general contractors, and construction lenders using specific procedures that go far beyond simple mailing.
Dual Collection Systems: California offers both traditional liens and stop payment notices, but using them incorrectly can actually harm your collection efforts.
Stop Payment Notice Complications: While powerful, stop payment notices have their own service requirements, timing rules, and procedural traps that can invalidate them if not handled properly.
San Bernardino County Specific Issues: Rapid development in the Ontario area creates frequent property ownership changes and subdivision updates that can render lien descriptions invalid.
These technical landmines make California one of the most challenging states for DIY lien filing, which is why experienced legal representation isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for protecting your payment rights.
A valid California lien becomes your strongest collection tool:
Phase 1: Verification & Research
Phase 2: Strategic Filing
Phase 3: Aggressive Collection
Subcontractors in California: You front the labor and materials, often waiting weeks or months for payment. With California’s 20-day preliminary notice requirement and varying completion deadlines, time is your enemy.
We act fast:
Material Suppliers: California offers unique protections through stop payment notices, but only if used correctly.
We help by:
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. California lien laws are highly technical and depend on your project’s unique facts. Consult a qualified California construction attorney to protect your rights.
Specialized California Subcontractor Focus: We specialize in subcontractor collections under California law, not general debt collection practice. We understand the unique challenges subcontractors face in complex payment chains.
California-Licensed Attorneys with Local Knowledge: We know California’s construction market, its players, court systems across the state, and the common payment disputes that trap subcontractors in lengthy collection battles.
Proven Success in California’s Complex Environment: 90% of our liens are collected before foreclosure, all while maintaining full California regulatory compliance. We’ve helped hundreds of subcontractors recover millions in unpaid invoices.
Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of California mechanics lien law, preliminary notice requirements, stop payment notice procedures, prompt payment statutes, and state-specific regulations that affect subcontractor collections and lien rights.
Every day you delay puts your lien rights at risk. California’s complex system won’t give you a second chance, and preliminary notice deadlines start ticking from day one of your project.
Call (909) 284-9005 today for expert lien assistance in Ontario, California.
3281 E Guasti Rd 7th Floor, Ontario, CA 91761, United States
Open 24 hours
We offer a pay as you go option through our general retainer, where you can pay for each step individually.
Includes extensive research, collection calls to all parties, intent letters sent via certified mail, and the lien filing.
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Once you become a client of The Cromeens Law Firm, we are your one-stop shop for any legal issues that arise.
It depends on the project type: 90 days for most private projects, but only 60 days if a Notice of Completion is filed. Preliminary notices must be served within 20 days of starting work.
San Bernardino County Superior Court and Recorder’s Office. Both filings are required for a valid lien.
A preliminary notice informs property owners and other parties that you’re working on the project. It’s required within 20 days of starting work on virtually all California projects, regardless of contract size.
California law allows self-filing, but the preliminary notice requirements, service procedures, and deadline variations make errors likely. With high stakes and complex rules, most professionals use legal representation.
90 days from the date it’s recorded. You must file a foreclosure lawsuit within that window if payment isn’t received.
A California-specific tool that allows you to freeze funds before they’re paid to the general contractor. It can be more powerful than a traditional lien in the right circumstances.
