Payment Bond Claims in California
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What Is a Payment Bond Claim?
A payment bond is a surety bond issued by the prime contractor or awarded entity on a public job. It guarantees that subcontractors, material suppliers, and others will be paid for their contributions. If payment doesn’t happen, the unpaid party may file a claim against the bond—a process similar in intent to a mechanics lien but governed by different rules.
Filing a bond claim is a powerful tool, but only if you follow the right legal steps. That’s where we come in.
Who Can File a Payment Bond Claim in California?
You may be eligible to file a bond claim if you:
Supplied labor, materials, or equipment on a California public works project
Are a subcontractor, material supplier, or equipment rental provider
Are not under direct contract with the awarding agency
Have not been paid in full for your work or materials
Served any required preliminary notices within the legal timeframe
What’s Included in Our Payment Bond Claim Service?
At Easy Law, we don’t just hand you a form and send you on your way. We handle the bond claim process from start to finish, ensuring everything is done to California’s strict legal standards.
Here’s what we provide:
Bond Claim Document Preparation
We prepare the appropriate documents based on your project details, in full compliance with the California Civil Code.
Timely Filing with the Proper Entity
We file your bond claim with the responsible surety or awarding body, ensuring it’s submitted within statutory deadlines.
Proof of Service
We serve required parties with notice of the claim via certified mail or other legally acceptable methods, and provide you with proof of service.
Optional Assistance with Enforcement
Need help taking the next legal step if payment still doesn’t come? We’ll refer you to trusted attorneys we’ve worked with for years.
How the Bond Claim Process Works
We make the process as straightforward as possible. Here’s how it typically works:
Step 1: Submit Your Project Info
Fill out our online Bond Claim Request Form or call us directly.
Step 2: We Review and Prepare Your Claim
Our team drafts the bond claim using the information you provide, ensuring legal accuracy.
Step 3: We File and Serve the Claim
We file the claim with the proper surety and serve all necessary parties.
Know Your Deadlines
Timing is critical with bond claims. Missing a deadline could cost you your right to recover payment.
Preliminary Notice
If you don’t have a direct contract with the prime contractor, you may need to serve a Preliminary 20-Day Notice.
Bond Claim Deadline
Bond claims must typically be made within 15 to 90 days after the last day labor or materials were provided (depending on contract structure).
Enforcement
If payment isn’t made, a lawsuit to enforce the bond claim may need to be filed within 6 months of the claim deadline.
Real Results from Contractors Who Got Paid With Our Help
"So many people tend to report problems and fail to report the excellence of service one may provide. We feel that the level of excellent service Easy Law provides must be shared with others. The excellent service that Easy Law has provided to A M LaSalle Electric, Inc. since June 2009 is remarkable! Their Team is always available, we have never had to leave a message and quick to respond via email. They always have the answer to our questions. Being an Easy Law client over the years has made my job a whole lot easier and less stressful, they do all the work for you and remind you of important dates on filings when needed. We are proud to be a part of their TEAM!"
- Mary K. Nisbet, A M LaSalle Electric, Inc.
"Easy Law has been a reliable partner of our business. We have worked with their team for many years. Cynthia used to work with us and she was an incredible person; so reliable, kind and professional. We miss her dearly. The team at Easy Law have been wonderful, including Scott, Salina and others. A huge thank you Easy Law!"
- Kellie Grehan, LightStyle Automated Systems, Inc.
"Easy Law provides a service that is exceptional, superb and outstanding. The employees are always friendly and willing to help you anytime. It’s a company that we trust and we are pleased to be their customer." | - Refugia Recinos, American Contractors, Inc.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Payment Bond Claims
What is a payment bond claim?
It’s a formal request for payment against a surety bond on a public project when you haven’t been paid for your labor or materials.
Who can file a payment bond claim in California?
Subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment renters who contributed to a public works project but haven’t been paid.
Do I need to send a preliminary notice?
Usually, yes, if you don’t have a direct contract with the public agency. The notice must be sent within 20 days of starting work.
How soon must I file my bond claim?
Typically, within 90 days after your last day of work or material delivery, but this can vary.
Don’t Let Payment Delays Turn Into Losses