Secure Your Payment Rights Before It's Too Late
What is a Preliminary Notice?
A preliminary notice is a construction notice sent by general contractors, subcontractors, or equipment suppliers at the start of a construction project. The notice informs the property owners and other interested parties that they are providing labor, materials, and that they have a right to file a Mechanics Lien if not paid for their services.
Many states, including California, require contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers who don’t have a direct contract with property owners to file a Pre-Lien Notice to maintain the legal right to file a lien if they are not paid.
The Pre-Lien Notice has different names depending on the state law. In California it is called Preliminary 20-day Notice.
Who Can File a Pre-Lien Notice?
If you're a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or laborer working on a California construction project and you're not paid directly by the property owner, you may need to file a Pre-Lien Notice and get the compensation you rightfully deserve. The following people have a right to file Pre-Lien notice:
Subcontractors: Those who work under the general contractor but not directly with the property owner.
Material Suppliers: Businesses or individuals providing construction materials like to the project but not getting paid.
Laborers: Workers who work on the construction project but have no direct agreement with the property owner.
Design Professionals: Architects, engineers, and other specialists working on the project.
Equipment Suppliers: Those providing equipment and machinery used in the project but have not received their payment.
When Should You File a Pre-Lien Notice?
In California, if you are working on a construction project you must file a Pre-Lien Notice within 20 days from the first day you provided labor or materials on the project. Filing early is very important because it preserves your right to pursue for a payment later on through Mechanics Lien if necessary.
Even if you miss the 20 day window it is still advisable to send the notice because it can still protect your claim for the work done in the 20 days preceding the notice.
How Can Easy Law Help With Pre-Lien Notice
At Easy Law Inc., we make the process of filing a Pre-Lien Notice easy and straightforward:
Accurate Document Preparation: We ensure your Pre-Lien Notice is completed correctly, following California law and project-specific details.
Timely Filing: Our team ensures your Pre-Lien Notice is filed within the critical 20-day window, preserving your right to file a Mechanics Lien if payment is not received.
Notice Delivery: We handle the proper delivery of your Pre-Lien Notice to the relevant parties, such as the property owner, stakeholders or general contractor in a timely manner.
Clear Guidance: Our team provides expert guidance along every step of the filling process and helps you understand your rights.
How the Process Works
At Easy Law Inc, we take care of all the paperwork to ensure that you protect your claim for the work you did on a construction project in California. Here is how the whole process works:
1. You provide the job and payment details
Share the details of the project, including who you’re owed by, the job description, and the amount due.
2. We prepare a draft of your Pre-Lien Notice
We’ll create a draft notice based on the information you provide. You’ll get a copy to review and make any necessary changes.
3. You approve, and we file the notice
Once you’re happy with the draft, you approve it, and we finalize and file the Pre-Lien Notice on your behalf.
4. Notice is delivered to the necessary parties
We ensure the Pre-Lien Notice is properly delivered to the relevant parties, like the property owner and general contractor, through certified mail or other legally accepted methods.
5. You retain your right to file a Mechanics Lien
After the notice is delivered, if payment is not made, you’re protected and can move forward with filing a Mechanics Lien if necessary.
Why Choose Easy Law Inc.?
With over four decades of experience, Easy Law Inc. has been helping contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other professionals across California secure their payment rights. We are a Legal Document Assistant registered and bonded in Ventura County, specializing in construction-related legal services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preliminary Notice
What is a Pre-Lien Notice?
A California 20-Day Preliminary Notice is a legal document that protects your right to file a mechanics lien if you're not paid on a private construction project.
Who Needs to Send a Pre-Lien Notice?
Anyone who is working on construction projects and has not done a formal contract with the property owner must send this notice to preserve lien rights.
Is Pre-Lien Notice Required in California?
Yes, it’s legally required for most parties in California who aren’t in direct contract with the property owner to secure the right to file a lien later.
When Should You File the Pre-Lien Notice?
Usually within the 20-days of the start of the project when you have provided materials, equipment and labors. Sending it late limits coverage to recent work only after the notice.
Get Started with Easy Law Inc. Today
If you're a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or laborer in California and need help filing a Pre-Lien Notice, contact Easy Law Inc. today. Our team is here to make sure your rights are protected from the moment you begin working on the project.
Call Now: (805) 306-0020
Click here to see Easy Law's 20 Step Pre-Lien Verification Process
View Sample
|