A mechanics lien allows contractors, laborers, and material suppliers in Massachusetts to secure payment for work or materials provided to improve real estate. Anyone involved in a construction project can file this involuntary lien, which is created by state law and perfected through recordings with the Registry of Deeds and a subsequent legal suit if needed. It is important to work with an experienced attorney, as the process varies by state and strict timelines must be followed for the lien to remain enforceable.

1. HOW MECHANICS LIEN WORKS
IN MASSACHUSETTS?
A mechanics lien has nothing to do with cars or mechanics. It is a security for payment of labor or materials supplies for
a construction project. Its main purpose is to secure a person’s right to payment for services or materials supplied in
connection with the improvement of real estate. The lien in Massachusetts is created and governed by M.G.L. c. 254. It
allows contractors, labors, and material suppliers to recover their payments through a foreclosure sale. It is an
involuntary lien that does not need court’s consent before it is perfected. Generally, a valid mechanics lien attracts the
attention of the owner or the general contractor of the project who will work to remove it from the property as soon as
possible.
Anyone involved in the construction project can file a mechanics lien including the general contractors, sub contractors,
suppliers, and laborers. Anyone asserting the lien is required to have a written contract for their work on the project.
The process of filing this lien varies from one state to another. So it is important to take help of an attorney who has
good knowledge and experience. In Massachusetts, the process is started by a series of recordings with the Registry of
Deeds, followed by filing a legal suit in the court. There are strict guidelines and timelines that must be satisfied or else
the lien will become unenforceable.
Take help of a professional attorney if you are planning to file a mechanics lien in Massachusetts. If you are in touch with
a professional attorney, they can also help you in other types of legal topics including foreign judgment, commercial
debt collections and more.