Mechanics liens have been around a long time. In fact, they date back to at least the original construction of Washington, D.C. The great thing about mechanics liens is that they cover a huge variety of projects. Specifically, in addition to traditional construction projects like residences, mechanics liens are also a great way for unpaid [...]
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Pay When Paid and Pay If Paid Clauses: An Introduction
As Zlien’s law clerk, I have the pleasure of helping to ensure that our compay – and our clients – are up-to-date on the law in all 50 states. Recently, I was tasked with undertaking a nationwide survey of “pay when paid” and “pay if paid” clauses in construction contracts. The Lien Blog has recently [...]
Are Charges Similar to Mechanics Liens in the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands (BVI), in the Caribbean east of Puerto Rico, are known mostly for being a tourist destination and offshore tax haven. Fun fact about BVI – despite being a British Overseas Territory (and its citizens having full British citizenship) the official currency is the U.S. Dollar. Since the Lien Blog never takes [...]
Miller Act and Attorney Fees: Recent Georgia Case Provides Insight
The issue of whether or not attorney fees can be recovered under the Miller Act is a topic routinely discussed by courts, and by us on the Lien blog, because the law on this issue is complex, confusing, and unclear. One of the trickier aspects of determining whether, or under what provision, attorneys fees may be recovered [...]
Public Contract Bonds and Contract Price Increases
One of the basic differences between contracts for public projects and contracts for private projects are the claims that unpaid parties can file. Specifically, while unpaid subcontractors and suppliers on private projects can file mechanics liens, on public projects those unpaid parties must file claims on a general contractor’s payment bond. General contractors on public [...]
Mechanics Lien Rights When Selling Materials in E-Commerce
eCommerce has murdered B2C (business-to-consumer) businesses, and now B2B (business-to-business) industries are wondering if they’re next. This was the subject of much discussion last year when Amazon.com launched AmazonSupply.com. Forbes summarized that the launch of this brand hinted that Amazon.com has a growing interest in being a logistics provider, and TechCruch warned that the e-commerce giant is [...]
Mechanics Liens: Missouri Appeals Court to Rule on Landscaping Lien Case
On March 19, 2013, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District heard oral arguments on a fascinating landscaping lien case with potential precedential value, Manning Construction v. MCI Partners. The PAID blog expects the court to rule on two important issues. First, does work completed after a substantial amount of the project has already been completed [...]
Research: Church Construction Projects
Determining whether a construction project is a privately owned project or a public project is essential to preserving your mechanics lien or bond claim rights. Private construction projects and public construction have different documents that need to be filed if you are unpaid. Private projects require the mechanics lien to be filed, while public projects [...]
Charter Schools: How To Classify
Projects on school property are nearly a constant in the construction industry. Schools seem to always be updating, building, or refurbishing. As Jason recently described, projects on schools can be either public or private depending on the nature of the school itself. Generally, the determination is simple: If it’s a public school, it’s a public [...]
Can You File A Mechanics Lien For Snow Removal Work?
Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and others in the Northeast were pummeled with the #Nemo storm and snow over the weekend. I can confirm the reports first hand as I’ve spent the last two day sin Cambridge, MA, where snow on the sidewalk is nearly taller than me. Everywhere I looked was construction machinery or machinery of some sort working [...]
Fix The Lights To The Superdome And File A Mechanics Lien – Here Is How
Did you hear about the #Blackout? Yes, our dear city subjected themselves to a national embarrassment when the lights shut off in the Superdome. One of the biggest stories that came out of the spectacle was the increased activity on Twitter. We couldn’t help ourselves: If you fix the lights at the #superbowl and don’t get paid, file a [...]
Columnists
Scott Wolfe Jr., JD
CEO of Zlien, and a licensed attorney in six states, he's experienced in construction & corporate credit management laws....Read More
Nate Budde, JD
Zlien's Chief Legal Mind and licensed attorney. Nate is a Stanford & Tulane Grad, a Jeopardy! alumni and more....Read More
Seth Smiley, JD
Construction attorney in California & Louisiana, Seth is an experienced construction litigator and Zlien's COO....Read More
Funding Gates
The world's first CRM for receivables management.Read More
Gretchen Lynn
Operations Genius at Zlien - She writes all the fun stuff here.Read More
Jason Bull
Zlien's Research Giant - He shares tips and info on how to confirm project, surety or construction party data.Read More
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