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When you have been wronged by another person, you may want to file a lawsuit against them. It is typically more efficient to try to work things out with them pre-litigation (in other words, before you reach the point of filing a lawsuit). But if

Question: I received a mechanic’s lien that a sub-contractor filed against my property. But I don’t have any contract with the subcontractor. I contracted with a general contractor, and I have already paid them the amount due under the contract. Can I ignore this mechanic’s

Disputes over fence repairs are one of the most common issues between neighboring property owners. A fence may appear simple, but questions about ownership, maintenance, and liability can quickly become complicated when damage occurs. Whether the issue involves normal wear and tear, storm damage, or

Question: I bought a truck that turned out to be stolen. Do I have to return it? Answer:  Typically, conversion is a strict liability tort. Meaning if you possess stolen goods, then you are just as liable in civil court for conversion as though you

Question: I’ve been working for months to make a deal with a contractor. I think we have agreed to terms. He said he would send over an agreement to sign, but he has not done so yet. I want to get started on the project.

Question: If I file a lawsuit and I win the other side will pay my attorneys’ fees, right? How do I get my fees back? Answer: In the US, we follow what is known as the “American Rule.” Almost across the board, the presumption is

Question: After a big storm, my neighbor’s tree fell on my house. Who has to pay for it? Can I sue them in small claims court? Answer: Typically, a homeowner is responsible to file a claim with their own homeowner’s insurance policy when their property

Question: Weather destroyed the house I am renting, and it is not livable. Does my landlord need to fix the house? Do they have to pay my hotel bills while the repair is happening? Answer: The answer to this question will be governed by state

Question: My contract says that I will be charged $15 per day for each day my payment is late. Is that allowed? Can I refuse to pay that late fee? Answer: The law permits a contracting party to assess liquidated damages in the event actual

Question: We are a contractor who is owed money. We placed a mechanic’s lien on the property but did not enforce it in time. Is it legal to cancel the lien? Can we pursue the debt in small claims court? Answer: Not only is it

Question: I am a sub contractor I did a job for a homeowner he paid the full amount after I sent a notice. He is now asking me to come back and do additional work at my expense. And threating to leave a bad review

Question: The contractor had a project for construction at a public high school. They have not been paid and want to know what remedies are available. Answer:  Because of the principle of sovereign immunity, a mechanic’s lien may not be recorded against a public/government project.

QUESTION: “The house was sold just before the water leak. The previous owners are now tenants, and the new owners out of country. Their realtor/mgr is not accepting responsibility. The job ended 9/22 are we good to lien?” ANSWER: “It depends on who you had

Question: “We are on phase two of a contract and have not yet filed a preliminary notice. Can we do it late?“ Answer: “Some providers are not required to send a preliminary notice. For example, if you are the prime contractor and you have entered

Question: “I take care of horses and am a grounds keeper for an older woman who passed away 2 months ago. The family told me to just continue what I’m doing. But I have not been paid since she passed away. Now today a lady

Question: “We filed a lien after we were paid by mistake. I released the lien right away, the client claims I have to expunge the lien. Not sure how to do this?“ Answer: “Mechanic’s liens are recorded in the County in which the real property