Legal Question in Business Law in Ohio

How do I collect payment from contractor?

I own a very small home improvement contracting company. I recently performed work for another contractor at his jobsite. This contractor has refused to pay me for the work I performed. He has offered excuses and promises to me daily for several weeks now as to why he can't pay and/or how he will get payment to me tomorrow. Now he has stopped answering his phone. The delay in payment has already caused me financial hardship - late payments, no payments, and subsequent credit problems. I believe that I may have the right to file some kind of lien against the property where I performed the work. Is this true? If so, how do I begin?


Asked on 11/01/00, 11:34 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gregg Manes Gregg A. Manes, Esq.

Re: How do I collect payment from contractor?

You can place a mechanics lien on the property. However, the time period for placing the lien is very short. It needs to be done within 60 days of the last date of service at the property. The lien needs to be filed at the county recorders office.

Good luck!!!!

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Answered on 12/04/00, 11:50 pm
Brian Halloran Brooking and Halloran, PLLC

Re: How do I collect payment from contractor?

You may have a right under statute to file a mechanics lien or other lien against the property where you performed work. Contact an attorney in your area that does this kind of work. The fee should not be large to get the lien put in place. Then you have leverage to collect what is owed. Good Luck!

Disclaimer: this message does not establish an attorney-client relationship betweeen us. That can only be established with a written/signed contract for services. This message is for general information purposes only.

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Answered on 11/17/00, 4:12 pm


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