Old French

Lien

LEE-en
A lien is a legal claim against a property that secures a debt owed. The lien holder has the right to seize or sell the property to satisfy the debt if it is not paid.
The mechanic placed a lien on the house to recover payment for the renovation work they completed.
In re Jones (2023), the court ruled that the contractor had a valid lien on the property for the unpaid construction costs.
← Back to BrowseNext Term →

Frequently Asked Questions

There are various types of liens, such as mechanics liens (construction work), tax liens (unpaid taxes), and judgment liens (court judgments).

The lien holder may need to file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien and sell the property to recover the debt.

A lien can be a powerful tool to secure payment for debts, but it's important to understand the legal process and potential risks involved.

See all that Filevine can do with a customized demonstration from our team

Schedule a Demo